Background of the Study
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a significant medical condition where a blood clot forms in the deep veins, often in the legs, and can lead to severe complications, including pulmonary embolism, stroke, or even death if left untreated. DVT is particularly common among hospitalized patients, especially those who are immobilized due to surgery, illness, or long periods of bed rest. In response to the increasing incidence of DVT, clinical guidelines, such as those provided by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), have been developed to outline best practices for preventing DVT in hospitalized patients (Kakkar et al., 2024). These guidelines emphasize the importance of early mobilization, pharmacological interventions like anticoagulants, and mechanical prophylactic measures such as compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression devices.
Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) serves as a key healthcare facility in Nigeria, providing comprehensive care, including surgical services that expose patients to an increased risk of DVT. However, studies have shown that the level of awareness and compliance with DVT prevention guidelines among healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, remains variable across different healthcare settings. Nurses play a vital role in the prevention and management of DVT by implementing prescribed preventive measures, educating patients, and ensuring early detection of potential risks. This study aims to evaluate the awareness and compliance of nurses at BSUTH with guidelines for preventing DVT, with the goal of identifying gaps and suggesting areas for improvement.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the established guidelines for DVT prevention, nurses at BSUTH may not be fully aware of or compliant with these protocols, potentially leading to increased cases of DVT and related complications in hospitalized patients. Non-compliance with the guidelines may be due to factors such as inadequate training, insufficient resources, or high patient-to-nurse ratios. This study seeks to evaluate the level of awareness and adherence to DVT prevention guidelines among nurses at BSUTH, aiming to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes related to DVT prevention.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on nurses working in surgical, orthopedics, and intensive care units at BSUTH, where patients are most at risk of DVT. The study will not include nurses from other departments such as outpatient or pediatrics.
A limitation of the study is the reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce bias. Additionally, the study's findings may not be generalizable to other healthcare facilities with different levels of resources or organizational structures.
Definitions of Terms
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