Background of the Study
Palliative care is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and suffering associated with serious illnesses, rather than attempting to cure the disease. It is particularly important in managing patients with terminal conditions such as cancer, heart failure, and neurological diseases. Home-based palliative care, where patients receive end-of-life care in their homes rather than in a hospital, is increasingly recognized as an essential service for individuals in rural areas. This model of care is especially beneficial in rural communities, where healthcare facilities may be scarce, and families often prefer to care for their loved ones in familiar environments (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023).
In Niger State, a large proportion of the population resides in rural areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. The introduction of home-based palliative nursing care could offer an opportunity to enhance quality of life for terminally ill patients, providing them with comfort and dignity in their final days. Nurses, with their expertise in symptom management, emotional support, and end-of-life care, play a vital role in home-based palliative care (Nwachukwu et al., 2024). However, there is a limited understanding of the effectiveness of this care model in rural areas of Niger State, where cultural, socioeconomic, and logistical factors might affect the outcomes.
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of home-based palliative nursing care in rural communities of Niger State, evaluating its impact on patient comfort, family satisfaction, and overall quality of life for terminally ill patients.
Statement of the Problem
Rural communities in Niger State face significant healthcare challenges, including limited access to specialized care, particularly for terminally ill patients. Although home-based palliative care has been recognized globally as an effective means of improving end-of-life care, its implementation and impact in Niger State's rural areas remain poorly understood. The study will investigate how effective home-based palliative nursing care is in improving the quality of life for terminally ill patients and their families in these communities.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the impact of home-based palliative nursing care on the quality of life of terminally ill patients in rural Niger State.
2. To evaluate the level of family satisfaction with home-based palliative care services.
3. To identify challenges faced by nurses and families in providing home-based palliative care in rural communities.
Research Questions
1. How does home-based palliative nursing care affect the quality of life of terminally ill patients in rural Niger State?
2. What is the level of family satisfaction with home-based palliative care?
3. What challenges do nurses face in providing home-based palliative care in rural communities of Niger State?
Research Hypotheses
1. Home-based palliative nursing care significantly improves the quality of life of terminally ill patients in rural Niger State.
2. Families report high levels of satisfaction with home-based palliative care services.
3. Challenges related to logistics and cultural perceptions hinder the effectiveness of home-based palliative care in rural communities.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on home-based palliative care services provided by nurses in rural communities of Niger State. Data will be collected through interviews with patients' families, surveys, and care documentation. Limitations may include variability in family willingness to participate and the logistical difficulties of accessing remote rural areas.
Definitions of Terms
• Home-based palliative care: Care provided to terminally ill patients at home, focusing on comfort and symptom management rather than curative treatment.
• Quality of life: A measure of an individual's well-being, often evaluated through physical, emotional, and social factors.
• Palliative nursing care: Specialized nursing care aimed at alleviating the symptoms of serious illnesses, providing comfort, and improving the patient's overall well-being.
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