Background of the Study
Pain management is a critical component of palliative care, particularly for patients with advanced illnesses such as cancer, organ failure, or neurological disorders. Uncontrolled pain is one of the most distressing symptoms experienced by palliative care patients and can severely affect their quality of life, leading to physical, emotional, and psychological suffering (Afolabi & Musa, 2023). In Nigeria, pain management in palliative care settings remains a significant challenge due to limited resources, inadequate training, and insufficient access to pain relief medications (Ogunyemi et al., 2024).
Nurses are key players in the delivery of pain management services in palliative care. Their roles include assessing pain levels, administering pain medications, providing alternative pain management techniques, and offering psychological support (Eze & Bello, 2024). The effectiveness of nurses' involvement in pain management has been shown to improve patient comfort and satisfaction in palliative care settings. However, the specific effect of nurses’ involvement in pain management on palliative care patients at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has not been extensively studied.
This study aims to evaluate the effect of nurses' involvement in pain management on palliative care patients at UMTH, with a focus on improving patient comfort, quality of life, and overall satisfaction with care.
Statement of the Problem
Pain is a predominant issue in palliative care, and inadequate pain management can lead to poor patient outcomes and decreased quality of life (WHO, 2024). At UMTH, nurses are involved in pain management for palliative care patients, but the lack of structured studies on their involvement hinders the development of effective pain management strategies. Without a clear understanding of the impact of nurses’ contributions to pain management, efforts to enhance palliative care services may not fully meet the needs of patients.
This study seeks to evaluate how nurses’ involvement in pain management affects palliative care patients at UMTH and to recommend strategies for improving pain relief services.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the impact of nurses’ involvement in pain management on palliative care patients at UMTH.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of different pain management strategies used by nurses in palliative care.
3. To recommend improvements in pain management practices by nurses in the palliative care setting.
Research Questions
1. How does nurses' involvement in pain management affect palliative care patients at UMTH?
2. What are the most effective pain management strategies utilized by nurses in palliative care?
3. How can pain management practices by nurses be improved to enhance the comfort of palliative care patients?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses' involvement in pain management significantly improves the comfort and quality of life of palliative care patients.
2. The use of a multi-faceted pain management approach by nurses enhances pain relief for palliative care patients.
3. Lack of adequate training and resources limits the effectiveness of nurses’ pain management in palliative care.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on assessing the impact of nurses' involvement in pain management on palliative care patients at UMTH. The study will not include other healthcare providers' roles in pain management, such as physicians or pharmacists. Limitations may include variability in patient responses to pain management and challenges in standardizing pain assessment across individuals.
Definitions of Terms
• Pain Management: Strategies and interventions aimed at reducing or alleviating pain, including medications and non-pharmacological methods.
• Nurses' Involvement: The role nurses play in assessing, administering, and monitoring pain relief in palliative care patients.
• Palliative Care: Specialized medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and suffering of serious illnesses.
• Quality of Life: The overall well-being of palliative care patients, including their physical comfort, emotional support, and satisfaction with care.
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