An Assessment of Nurses' Role in Educating Patients about the Risks of Polypharmacy at Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital
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Background of the Study
Polypharmacy, defined as the use of multiple medications by a patient, is a growing concern in modern healthcare, particularly among elderly patients and those with chronic conditions. While polypharmacy is often necessary to manage complex health issues, it increases the risk of adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, and medication non-adherence (Norris et al., 2023). The prevalence of polypharmacy has been rising globally due to the increased life expectancy and the growing burden of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023).
Nurses play a crucial role in managing and educating patients about polypharmacy, as they are often responsible for monitoring medication adherence, administering medications, and providing patients with essential information about the potential risks of polypharmacy. Despite the important role of nurses, there is limited research on their involvement in educating patients about the risks of polypharmacy, particularly in resource-limited settings like Nigeria. Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital (KSUTH) is one of the leading healthcare institutions in northern Nigeria, providing comprehensive care to patients with a wide range of medical conditions. Nurses at KSUTH are positioned to help mitigate the risks associated with polypharmacy through patient education and counseling.
However, challenges such as insufficient training, limited time for patient education, and inadequate communication with other healthcare professionals may affect the ability of nurses to provide effective education about polypharmacy. This study aims to assess the role of nurses at KSUTH in educating patients about the risks of polypharmacy and identify the factors that influence their ability to do so effectively.
Statement of the Problem
Polypharmacy presents significant challenges in patient care, particularly in terms of medication management and the risk of adverse outcomes. Although nurses are crucial in educating patients about the risks of polypharmacy, there is a lack of information on how effectively they perform this role at KSUTH. Factors such as inadequate training, heavy workloads, and limited access to resources may affect nurses' ability to educate patients about polypharmacy and its associated risks. This study seeks to assess the extent to which nurses at KSUTH educate patients about polypharmacy and to identify the factors influencing their education practices.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the role of nurses at KSUTH in educating patients about the risks of polypharmacy.
- To identify the challenges faced by nurses in educating patients about polypharmacy at KSUTH.
- To evaluate the impact of nurses' education on patients' understanding of the risks of polypharmacy at KSUTH.
Research Questions
- To what extent do nurses at KSUTH educate patients about the risks of polypharmacy?
- What challenges do nurses at KSUTH face in educating patients about polypharmacy?
- How does nurses' education about polypharmacy impact patients' understanding of medication risks at KSUTH?
Research Hypotheses
- Nurses who have received formal training on polypharmacy are more likely to educate patients effectively about its risks compared to those who have not received such training.
- There is a significant relationship between the amount of time nurses spend on patient education and patients' understanding of the risks of polypharmacy.
- Organizational factors, such as staffing levels and available resources, significantly affect nurses' ability to educate patients about polypharmacy at KSUTH.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in the pharmacy, internal medicine, and geriatrics departments at KSUTH, as these departments are most involved in the care of patients who are at risk of polypharmacy. The study will not include nurses working in other departments such as surgery or obstetrics.
A limitation of the study is that the findings may be influenced by response bias in self-reported data regarding educational practices. Additionally, the study may not be generalizable to other healthcare settings with different organizational structures.
Definitions of Terms
- Polypharmacy: The use of multiple medications by a patient, typically five or more, often for the treatment of chronic conditions.
- Patient education: The process of providing patients with information and resources to help them understand their health conditions and the risks associated with their treatments.
- Adverse drug reactions: Harmful or unintended effects resulting from the use of medications, often more common in patients taking multiple drugs simultaneously.
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