Background of the Study
Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a significant concern in global healthcare, contributing to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). Despite advancements in surgical techniques and infection control protocols, SSIs continue to pose a major challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare facilities often face resource limitations. Nurses play a crucial role in infection prevention, implementing evidence-based infection control interventions to reduce SSIs and improve patient outcomes (Adeyemi et al., 2024).
At Federal Medical Centre, Yola, surgical procedures are routinely performed, making infection control a top priority. Nurse-led infection control interventions, such as hand hygiene compliance, surgical site preparation, antibiotic prophylaxis monitoring, and postoperative wound care, have been shown to reduce SSI rates in healthcare settings (Ogunleye et al., 2023). However, the effectiveness of these interventions in Nigerian hospitals remains under-researched, leaving gaps in knowledge about their impact on infection rates.
Infection control measures are often hindered by challenges such as inadequate staffing, lack of adherence to guidelines, poor knowledge of best practices, and limited access to necessary resources (Bello & Yusuf, 2024). Given these barriers, evaluating the effect of nurse-led infection control interventions at Federal Medical Centre, Yola, is essential for identifying successful strategies and improving infection prevention efforts.
Statement of the Problem
Surgical site infections remain a leading cause of postoperative complications at Federal Medical Centre, Yola, contributing to increased morbidity and prolonged hospital stays. While nurses play a critical role in infection prevention, there is limited empirical evidence on the effectiveness of their interventions in reducing SSI rates. Additionally, challenges such as inconsistent adherence to infection control protocols and lack of resources may hinder the success of these interventions. Without proper evaluation, it is difficult to determine whether current nurse-led infection control strategies are effective or require improvement. This study seeks to assess the impact of nurse-led interventions on SSI rates and provide recommendations for enhancing infection prevention efforts.
Objectives of the Study
1. To evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led infection control interventions in reducing surgical site infection rates at Federal Medical Centre, Yola.
2. To identify challenges faced by nurses in implementing infection control measures.
3. To assess the level of adherence to infection control protocols among nurses in surgical wards.
Research Questions
1. How effective are nurse-led infection control interventions in reducing surgical site infections at Federal Medical Centre, Yola?
2. What challenges do nurses face in implementing infection control measures?
3. To what extent do nurses adhere to infection control protocols in surgical wards?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurse-led infection control interventions significantly reduce surgical site infection rates.
2. Challenges such as inadequate staffing and resource constraints hinder the effectiveness of infection control measures.
3. Higher adherence to infection control protocols among nurses is associated with lower surgical site infection rates.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on surgical wards at Federal Medical Centre, Yola, examining the impact of nurse-led infection control interventions on SSI rates. The research will involve data collection from patient records, interviews with nurses, and observation of infection control practices. Limitations may include difficulties in controlling external variables that influence infection rates and potential underreporting of SSI cases.
Definitions of Terms
• Surgical site infection (SSI): An infection that occurs at the site of a surgical incision within 30 days post-surgery.
• Infection control interventions: Strategies implemented to prevent infections in healthcare settings, including hand hygiene, wound care, and antibiotic stewardship.
• Nurse-led interventions: Infection prevention measures designed and implemented by nurses to enhance patient safety.
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