Background of the Study
The transition from paper-based to digital nursing records is a significant advancement in modern healthcare, aiming to improve patient safety, efficiency, and care coordination (WHO, 2024). Digital nursing records provide real-time access to patient information, reduce medical errors, enhance communication among healthcare providers, and support evidence-based decision-making (Afolabi & Musa, 2023). However, despite these benefits, the adoption of digital records presents challenges such as system downtimes, data security concerns, and inadequate staff training, which may impact patient safety (Ogunyemi et al., 2024).
At Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Birnin Kebbi, the integration of digital nursing records has been implemented to improve documentation accuracy and patient care. However, the effectiveness of this transition in enhancing patient safety remains unclear, with reports of technical challenges, resistance to change, and workflow disruptions (Eze & Bello, 2023). The successful implementation of digital records depends on factors such as nurse competency, system reliability, and institutional support (Okafor & Usman, 2023).
This study aims to assess the impact of digital nursing records on patient safety at FMC Birnin Kebbi, examining both the benefits and challenges associated with their adoption. The findings will provide insights into optimizing digital record systems for improved healthcare delivery.
Statement of the Problem
Patient safety is a fundamental concern in healthcare, and inadequate documentation has been linked to medical errors, delayed interventions, and compromised patient outcomes (WHO, 2024). While digital nursing records are designed to enhance documentation accuracy and patient care, their impact on patient safety at FMC Birnin Kebbi remains uncertain (Musa & Ibrahim, 2023).
Challenges such as poor usability, lack of proper training, and resistance from nursing staff may hinder the effectiveness of digital record systems (Olawale et al., 2024). Additionally, technical failures or cybersecurity threats may compromise patient data integrity and accessibility, further impacting care quality (Eze & Yusuf, 2023).
This study seeks to investigate the effectiveness of digital nursing records in improving patient safety at FMC Birnin Kebbi, identifying key benefits, challenges, and strategies for optimization.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the impact of digital nursing records on patient safety at FMC Birnin Kebbi.
2. To identify challenges associated with the implementation of digital nursing records in patient care.
3. To recommend strategies for optimizing digital nursing records to enhance patient safety.
Research Questions
1. How do digital nursing records influence patient safety at FMC Birnin Kebbi?
2. What are the challenges associated with implementing digital nursing records in nursing practice?
3. What strategies can be adopted to improve the effectiveness of digital nursing records for patient safety?
Research Hypotheses
1. The use of digital nursing records significantly reduces documentation errors and improves patient safety.
2. Implementation challenges negatively impact the effectiveness of digital nursing records in patient care.
3. Training and institutional support enhance the successful adoption of digital nursing records for improved patient outcomes.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on the use of digital nursing records at FMC Birnin Kebbi, evaluating their impact on patient safety. It will not cover other aspects of health information technology or patient safety measures unrelated to digital records. Limitations may include variability in nurses' experience with digital records and system-specific challenges.
Definitions of Terms
• Digital Nursing Records: Electronic systems used for documenting patient care and medical history.
• Patient Safety: Measures taken to prevent harm to patients during healthcare delivery.
• Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Digital platforms for storing and managing patient medical information.
• Cybersecurity: Protection of digital patient records from unauthorized access or data breaches.
Chapter One: Introduction
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