Background of the Study
Heart failure (HF) is a chronic and progressive condition that primarily affects elderly populations, leading to significant morbidity, disability, and mortality. The management of elderly patients with heart failure often involves complex care strategies, including medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and monitoring for acute exacerbations (Khan et al., 2024). Hospital readmissions among heart failure patients are a common concern, with studies showing that elderly patients are particularly vulnerable to readmission due to factors such as comorbidities, frailty, and difficulties with self-management (Mbah et al., 2023). Readmissions not only contribute to patient distress but also place a considerable burden on healthcare systems, increasing costs and healthcare utilization (Adeyemi et al., 2023).
Oyo State General Hospital, a prominent healthcare facility in southwestern Nigeria, serves a significant population of elderly patients, many of whom suffer from heart failure and related complications. Nurses play a critical role in reducing hospital readmissions by providing education on disease management, ensuring adherence to treatment regimens, monitoring for signs of deterioration, and offering emotional support (Aluko et al., 2023). Despite the importance of nursing interventions, there is limited research on the specific role of nurses in reducing readmissions for elderly heart failure patients in Nigerian healthcare settings. This study will examine the role of nurses at Oyo State General Hospital in managing elderly patients with heart failure to prevent readmissions.
Statement of the Problem
Hospital readmissions for heart failure, particularly among elderly patients, remain a significant challenge for healthcare providers. Although nurses play a central role in patient education and care coordination, there may be gaps in their ability to effectively prevent readmissions due to a lack of comprehensive strategies, training, or resources. This study seeks to investigate the role of nurses at Oyo State General Hospital in reducing hospital readmissions for elderly patients with heart failure, focusing on nursing interventions and factors that contribute to readmission rates.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the role of nurses in managing elderly patients with heart failure at Oyo State General Hospital.
To examine the effectiveness of nursing interventions in preventing hospital readmissions for elderly heart failure patients.
To identify barriers to effective management and readmission prevention for elderly patients with heart failure.
Research Questions
What role do nurses play in managing elderly patients with heart failure at Oyo State General Hospital?
How effective are nursing interventions in reducing hospital readmissions for elderly heart failure patients?
What challenges do nurses face in managing elderly patients with heart failure to prevent readmissions?
Research Hypotheses
Nurses who provide patient education on heart failure management are more likely to reduce hospital readmissions.
The use of standardized care protocols by nurses is negatively correlated with hospital readmission rates for elderly heart failure patients.
Barriers such as insufficient resources and lack of training are positively correlated with higher readmission rates for elderly patients with heart failure.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in the cardiology and geriatrics units at Oyo State General Hospital. Limitations may include variability in the implementation of nursing interventions, differences in patient adherence to care plans, and constraints related to hospital resources and staff turnover.
Definitions of Terms
Heart Failure (HF): A condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention.
Readmission: The process of a patient being admitted to the hospital again within a short period following discharge, often due to complications or inadequate post-discharge care.
Nursing Interventions: Actions taken by nurses to manage patients’ conditions, including patient education, medication management, and lifestyle modification counseling.
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