Background of the Study
Pain management is a fundamental aspect of nursing care, and adherence to established guidelines ensures effective pain relief and improved patient outcomes. Pain management guidelines, such as those provided by the WHO and the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), emphasize evidence-based interventions for assessing and treating pain (WHO, 2024). Proper adherence to these guidelines enhances patient comfort, reduces complications, and fosters positive healthcare experiences (Adebayo & Musa, 2023).
At General Hospital, Lafia, nurses play a critical role in administering pain relief interventions. However, studies suggest that many healthcare providers struggle with following standard pain management protocols due to factors such as inadequate training, heavy workloads, and limited access to pain relief medications (Ogunleye & Bello, 2024). Poor adherence to pain management guidelines can result in undertreatment of pain, prolonged hospital stays, and reduced patient satisfaction (Ibrahim & Adekunle, 2023).
Despite the importance of standardized pain management practices, limited research has been conducted on nurses’ compliance with pain management guidelines in Nigerian hospitals. This study aims to assess the extent to which nurses at General Hospital, Lafia, adhere to pain management protocols and identify barriers to compliance.
Statement of the Problem
Inadequate pain management remains a significant issue in Nigerian healthcare institutions, often leading to patient discomfort, prolonged recovery times, and reduced quality of care (Maslach & Leiter, 2023). Nurses are essential in implementing pain relief interventions, but their adherence to standardized guidelines is often inconsistent (Okeke & Yusuf, 2024).
At General Hospital, Lafia, it is unclear whether nurses fully comply with established pain management protocols. Factors such as insufficient knowledge, heavy workloads, and lack of institutional support may contribute to non-adherence (Ibrahim & Musa, 2024). Evaluating nurses’ adherence to pain management guidelines is crucial for improving patient care and ensuring effective pain relief strategies.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the level of nurses' adherence to pain management guidelines at General Hospital, Lafia.
2. To identify barriers affecting nurses' compliance with pain management protocols.
3. To evaluate the impact of adherence to pain management guidelines on patient outcomes.
Research Questions
1. To what extent do nurses at General Hospital, Lafia, adhere to pain management guidelines?
2. What are the key barriers affecting nurses’ compliance with pain management protocols?
3. How does adherence to pain management guidelines impact patient outcomes?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses at General Hospital, Lafia, demonstrate low adherence to pain management guidelines.
2. Institutional and professional barriers significantly affect nurses' compliance with pain management protocols.
3. Improved adherence to pain management guidelines enhances patient outcomes.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on nurses at General Hospital, Lafia, and their adherence to pain management guidelines. It does not include other healthcare professionals or hospitals outside the study area. Limitations may include variations in individual nursing practices and potential bias in self-reported adherence levels.
Definitions of Terms
• Pain Management Guidelines: Standardized protocols for assessing and treating pain to ensure optimal patient care.
• Nurse Adherence: The extent to which nurses follow established guidelines and protocols in their practice.
• Patient Outcomes: The overall health improvements and experiences of patients receiving pain management interventions.
Chapter One: Introduction
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