Background of the Study
Patient safety is a fundamental aspect of healthcare that aims to minimize the risk of harm to patients during medical care. In surgical settings, patient safety is particularly critical due to the high-risk nature of surgical procedures. Nurses play an essential role in ensuring patient safety in surgical wards, as they are responsible for monitoring patients before, during, and after surgery, identifying potential complications, and advocating for patients' needs (Ganiyu et al., 2024). At Cross River State Teaching Hospital (CRSTH), nurses are an integral part of the surgical team, working alongside surgeons and anesthesiologists to ensure the safety and well-being of surgical patients.
The role of nurses in patient safety encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including preoperative assessment, administration of medications, monitoring vital signs, preventing surgical site infections, and providing postoperative care (Ige et al., 2023). Ensuring proper hand hygiene, correct patient identification, and the use of safety checklists are critical practices that nurses must consistently implement to minimize surgical errors (Ayeni et al., 2024). However, challenges such as inadequate staffing, insufficient training, and lack of resources can undermine nurses' ability to effectively ensure patient safety in the surgical ward.
This study aims to examine the role of nurses in ensuring patient safety in the surgical wards at CRSTH, with a focus on the practices, challenges, and strategies used by nurses to prevent surgical errors and complications. By exploring the experiences and perceptions of nurses, the study will identify key areas that need improvement in order to enhance patient safety outcomes in the surgical department.
Statement of the Problem
In surgical wards, patient safety is paramount, yet challenges persist in ensuring that safety protocols are consistently followed. At CRSTH, nurses are expected to ensure patient safety during surgical procedures, but various factors, such as inadequate resources and training, may hinder their ability to carry out these responsibilities effectively. Previous studies have shown that lapses in communication, non-compliance with safety protocols, and insufficient staffing contribute to patient safety incidents in surgical wards (Eze et al., 2024). This study seeks to examine the role of nurses in ensuring patient safety in the surgical wards at CRSTH, highlighting the challenges they face and identifying strategies for improving safety outcomes.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in the surgical wards at Cross River State Teaching Hospital. It will assess their role in patient safety, the practices they follow, and the challenges they encounter. The study will exclude other healthcare professionals, such as surgeons and anesthesiologists, though their role in patient safety will be acknowledged.
Limitations of this study include the reliance on self-reported data from nurses, which may be subject to social desirability bias. Additionally, the study will be cross-sectional, capturing data at a single point in time, which may not reflect long-term trends in patient safety practices.
Definitions of Terms
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