Background of the Study
Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses by addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. As the global population ages, the demand for palliative care for elderly patients has increased significantly (WHO, 2023). Nurses are central to the delivery of palliative care, providing symptom management, psychosocial support, and end-of-life care.
At State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, elderly patients constitute a growing demographic, often presenting with chronic and terminal illnesses. Nurses are frequently confronted with challenges such as resource limitations, cultural taboos surrounding end-of-life discussions, and emotional burnout (Usman & Ibrahim, 2024). This study investigates the challenges nurses face in delivering palliative care to elderly patients, aiming to inform strategies for improving care quality and support systems for nurses.
Statement of the Problem
Providing palliative care to elderly patients is fraught with challenges, particularly in resource-limited settings like State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri. Nurses often face barriers such as insufficient training, inadequate staffing, and emotional distress associated with end-of-life care. These challenges can hinder the delivery of comprehensive and compassionate care to elderly patients.
Despite the growing need for palliative care in Nigeria, there is limited research on the experiences of nurses in this field. This study seeks to examine the challenges faced by nurses at State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, and propose actionable solutions to enhance palliative care delivery.
Objectives of the Study
1. To identify the challenges faced by nurses in providing palliative care to elderly patients at State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri.
2. To evaluate the impact of these challenges on the quality of care delivered.
3. To recommend strategies for addressing the identified challenges and improving palliative care.
Research Questions
1. What challenges do nurses face in providing palliative care to elderly patients at State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri?
2. How do these challenges affect the quality of care delivered?
3. What strategies can be employed to overcome these challenges?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses face significant challenges in providing palliative care to elderly patients.
2. Identified challenges negatively impact the quality of palliative care delivered.
3. Implementing targeted strategies improves nurses’ capacity to deliver palliative care.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on nurses providing palliative care to elderly patients at State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri. It excludes other healthcare professionals and younger patient populations. Limitations include potential response bias and the exclusion of non-nursing perspectives, which may limit the comprehensiveness of the findings.
Definitions of Terms
• Palliative Care: Medical and supportive care aimed at improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.
• Elderly Patients: Individuals aged 65 years and above requiring medical care.
• Challenges: Barriers or difficulties encountered in the delivery of care.
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