An Examination of Nurses' Preparedness for Handling Opioid Overdose Cases at Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Opioid overdose is a growing public health crisis worldwide, with opioid-related deaths continuing to rise in many countries, including Nigeria. The Nigerian healthcare system, particularly in teaching hospitals, plays a critical role in addressing this issue through timely and effective interventions. Nurses are often the first healthcare professionals to encounter patients experiencing opioid overdose, making their preparedness crucial for ensuring favorable patient outcomes. However, the increasing prevalence of opioid use disorders and overdose incidents has highlighted significant gaps in the training and readiness of healthcare workers to manage such cases (Williams & Carter, 2024).
At Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital, a prominent healthcare facility in northern Nigeria, nurses encounter a variety of emergency cases, including opioid overdose. The hospital's emergency department is often the frontline in treating opioid-related incidents, particularly among individuals who misuse prescription pain medications or use illicit drugs. Despite the availability of naloxone, an opioid antagonist, and other life-saving measures, research has shown that healthcare professionals may not be fully equipped with the knowledge or skills required to effectively handle opioid overdose situations (Robinson & Ahmed, 2023). Preparedness involves not only understanding the pharmacology of opioids and the action of naloxone but also being able to respond quickly and effectively in emergency settings.
Studies suggest that the preparedness of nurses to manage opioid overdose cases is influenced by various factors, including their level of education, prior exposure to such cases, and the availability of resources such as naloxone and emergency medical equipment (Brown et al., 2024). Additionally, the stigma surrounding opioid use may affect nurses’ willingness to address these cases with the urgency and compassion required. Given the growing threat of opioid overdose in Nigeria, it is essential to evaluate how well nurses at Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital are prepared to manage these emergencies and to identify areas for improvement in their training and response strategies.
Statement of the Problem
Opioid overdose is becoming an increasingly common medical emergency at Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital, yet there is limited research on the preparedness of nurses in handling such cases. While naloxone and other interventions are available, the ability of nurses to respond effectively to opioid overdoses remains uncertain. There is a need to assess the level of preparedness among nursing staff, including their knowledge of opioid pharmacology, recognition of overdose symptoms, and familiarity with emergency protocols. Without adequate training and preparedness, nurses may struggle to provide the timely care needed to prevent fatalities from opioid overdose, posing a significant risk to patient safety. Therefore, this study aims to examine the preparedness of nurses at Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital to handle opioid overdose cases.
Objectives of the Study
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To evaluate the knowledge of nurses at Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital regarding opioid overdose management.
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To assess the preparedness of nurses at the hospital in handling opioid overdose emergencies.
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To explore the factors that influence the preparedness of nurses to respond to opioid overdose cases.
Research Questions
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What is the level of knowledge of nurses at Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital about opioid overdose management?
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How prepared are nurses at the hospital to handle opioid overdose emergencies?
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What factors influence the preparedness of nurses in responding to opioid overdose cases at Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital?
Research Hypotheses
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Nurses with specialized training in emergency care are more prepared to manage opioid overdose cases.
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The availability of naloxone and other resources significantly improves nurses' preparedness for opioid overdose emergencies.
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Nurses' preparedness for opioid overdose management is influenced by the frequency of exposure to opioid overdose cases.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses employed at Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital, particularly those working in the emergency department, intensive care units, and other areas where opioid overdoses are likely to be treated. Limitations of the study include potential biases due to self-reporting, limited access to specific training programs, and resource constraints. The study may not account for variations in nurse preparedness at other healthcare facilities in Nigeria or abroad.
Definitions of Terms
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Opioid Overdose: A life-threatening condition resulting from the consumption of an excessive amount of opioids, which can lead to respiratory depression, coma, and death.
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Preparedness: The ability and readiness of nurses to effectively respond to opioid overdose situations, including knowledge, skills, and resource availability.
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Naloxone: A medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose, particularly respiratory depression.
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