The Effect of Nurses' Awareness of Early Warning Signs of Stroke on Patient Outcomes in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto
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Background of the Study
Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and early detection of warning signs is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Early intervention, particularly within the first few hours of stroke onset, significantly increases the chances of recovery and reduces the risk of long-term disability (Parker & Jacobs, 2023). Nurses, as primary caregivers in emergency and inpatient settings, are often the first to identify early warning signs of stroke and initiate appropriate responses. Research has shown that nurses who are adequately trained and aware of stroke symptoms can make a substantial difference in patient outcomes, especially when interventions are timely (Sulaimon et al., 2024).
At Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), a prominent healthcare institution in Sokoto, Nigeria, stroke patients are treated in the emergency and neurology units. Despite the hospital's capacity to provide care, challenges persist in the timely identification of stroke cases, often due to a lack of awareness among healthcare providers, including nurses, about the early warning signs of stroke. Nurses' ability to recognize these signs, such as facial drooping, slurred speech, and sudden weakness, is vital for initiating the appropriate interventions that can prevent long-term disability and improve the likelihood of recovery.
This study aims to examine the impact of nurses’ awareness of early warning signs of stroke on patient outcomes at UDUTH. By investigating the level of awareness among nurses and its correlation with patient outcomes, this research will provide insights into how nurse education can influence stroke care in Nigerian hospitals.
Statement of the Problem
Early detection of stroke warning signs and prompt medical intervention are critical to minimizing the long-term effects of stroke. However, in many Nigerian hospitals, including Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, there is insufficient emphasis on training nurses to recognize and respond to early stroke symptoms. This lack of awareness among nurses may lead to delayed interventions, which negatively affect patient outcomes, increasing the likelihood of severe complications and permanent disability.
While stroke is a major health issue in Nigeria, there is limited research on the relationship between nurses' awareness of early warning signs and patient outcomes. This study aims to address this gap, highlighting the role of nurses in stroke detection and the impact of their awareness on improving patient care.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess nurses’ awareness of early warning signs of stroke at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital.
- To evaluate the relationship between nurses' awareness of stroke symptoms and the outcomes of stroke patients.
- To recommend strategies for enhancing nurses' knowledge of stroke early warning signs and improving patient outcomes.
Research Questions
- What is the level of awareness among nurses regarding the early warning signs of stroke at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital?
- How does nurses' awareness of stroke warning signs influence patient outcomes in UDUTH?
- What strategies can be implemented to improve nurses' recognition of stroke warning signs and enhance patient care?
Research Hypotheses
- Nurses with higher levels of awareness of stroke warning signs are more likely to improve stroke patient outcomes.
- There is a significant relationship between nurses’ knowledge of early stroke warning signs and the timely treatment of stroke patients.
- Nurses' awareness of stroke symptoms significantly influences the length of recovery and the severity of stroke outcomes.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in the emergency and neurology departments of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital. The research will assess their knowledge of stroke symptoms and explore its impact on patient outcomes. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data, potential recall bias, and the challenge of controlling for all factors influencing stroke outcomes.
Definitions of Terms
- Early Warning Signs of Stroke: Symptoms such as sudden numbness, weakness, slurred speech, and difficulty in balance that indicate the onset of a stroke.
- Nurses' Awareness: The level of knowledge and recognition of stroke symptoms and the ability to act upon them effectively.
- Patient Outcomes: The results of medical care, including the degree of recovery, complications, and long-term disability.
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