An Investigation of Nurses' Knowledge and Adherence to Pressure Ulcer Prevention Guidelines at Taraba State Specialist Hospital
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Background of the Study
Pressure ulcers, commonly known as bedsores, are a significant healthcare concern, especially among patients who are bedridden or immobile due to chronic conditions, surgeries, or advanced age. These ulcers are preventable, yet they remain a persistent problem in many healthcare settings. Nurses play a crucial role in the prevention and management of pressure ulcers, as their knowledge and adherence to established guidelines directly impact patient outcomes. Pressure ulcer prevention protocols are widely available, but studies have shown that adherence to these guidelines varies considerably among healthcare professionals (Smith & Roberts, 2023). In hospitals such as Taraba State Specialist Hospital, where patients often have complex needs and require long-term care, it is essential to evaluate how well nurses understand and apply these guidelines in their practice.
Pressure ulcers not only cause significant physical discomfort for patients but also increase healthcare costs due to extended hospital stays and the need for specialized treatments (Jones & Harris, 2024). The World Health Organization (WHO) and other healthcare bodies emphasize the importance of systematic pressure ulcer prevention strategies that include regular repositioning, proper nutrition, moisture control, and the use of pressure-relieving devices (Brown et al., 2023). Despite these recommendations, gaps in knowledge and inconsistent adherence to guidelines have been identified as barriers to effective pressure ulcer prevention (Lee & Williams, 2023). At Taraba State Specialist Hospital, there has been a lack of comprehensive research exploring the knowledge levels of nurses regarding pressure ulcer prevention, particularly in rural or resource-limited settings. This study seeks to address this gap by investigating how well nurses at this facility understand and implement pressure ulcer prevention protocols and to what extent their adherence affects patient outcomes.
Statement of the Problem
Inadequate prevention of pressure ulcers has been a longstanding issue in many hospitals worldwide, including those in Nigeria. Taraba State Specialist Hospital, a key healthcare facility in the region, has not been fully assessed in terms of the adherence of its nursing staff to established pressure ulcer prevention guidelines. Given the hospital's high volume of patients with limited mobility, especially elderly patients or those suffering from debilitating conditions, the prevention of pressure ulcers is crucial. However, preliminary observations suggest that nurses may lack sufficient knowledge or training on the latest prevention guidelines. This knowledge gap could lead to inconsistent practices, resulting in an increased incidence of pressure ulcers among vulnerable patients. Pressure ulcers are not only a source of physical distress for patients but can also contribute to prolonged hospital stays, increased medical costs, and greater strain on hospital resources. This study seeks to critically assess the level of knowledge and adherence to pressure ulcer prevention guidelines by nurses at Taraba State Specialist Hospital.
Objectives of the Study
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To assess the level of knowledge of nurses regarding pressure ulcer prevention guidelines at Taraba State Specialist Hospital.
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To evaluate the adherence of nurses to pressure ulcer prevention guidelines at the hospital.
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To identify factors influencing the knowledge and adherence of nurses to pressure ulcer prevention protocols at Taraba State Specialist Hospital.
Research Questions
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What is the level of knowledge of nurses regarding pressure ulcer prevention guidelines at Taraba State Specialist Hospital?
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To what extent do nurses adhere to pressure ulcer prevention guidelines at Taraba State Specialist Hospital?
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What factors influence the knowledge and adherence of nurses to pressure ulcer prevention guidelines at the hospital?
Research Hypotheses
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Nurses with higher levels of training and experience have better knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention guidelines.
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Adherence to pressure ulcer prevention guidelines at Taraba State Specialist Hospital is significantly influenced by nurses' workload and hospital resources.
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Nurses who are regularly updated on pressure ulcer prevention protocols are more likely to adhere to the guidelines in clinical practice.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working at Taraba State Specialist Hospital, particularly those involved in direct patient care, such as nurses in surgical, geriatric, and intensive care units. It will assess their knowledge and adherence to pressure ulcer prevention guidelines as outlined by the hospital's clinical protocols. The study is limited by factors such as the hospital's capacity, the availability of resources for training and educational materials, and the willingness of nurses to participate in the research. The results of this study may not be generalizable to other hospitals in different regions, particularly those with different levels of resource availability.
Definitions of Terms
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Pressure Ulcer: A localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue, typically over a bony prominence, resulting from pressure, or pressure in combination with shear.
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Adherence: The extent to which nurses follow prescribed guidelines and protocols in clinical practice.
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Knowledge: The understanding and awareness of pressure ulcer prevention strategies and guidelines.
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