Background of the Study
Emergency obstetric care (EmOC) is a critical component of maternal healthcare aimed at addressing complications during pregnancy and childbirth, which are leading causes of maternal mortality globally. Nurses play a pivotal role in EmOC, performing tasks such as patient stabilization, administration of medications, and assisting in surgical procedures. Their involvement significantly impacts the outcomes of emergency obstetric interventions (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024).
In low-resource settings like Nigeria, the delivery of effective EmOC is often hindered by systemic challenges, including staff shortages, inadequate training, and limited resources. At the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, nurses are integral to the provision of EmOC. However, their roles and contributions remain underexplored, leaving gaps in understanding the factors influencing their effectiveness (Aliyu & Usman, 2023).
This study investigates the roles, responsibilities, and challenges of nurses in emergency obstetric care at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, providing insights into their contributions and areas for improvement.
Statement of the Problem
Maternal mortality remains a significant public health issue in Nigeria, with emergency obstetric complications accounting for a substantial proportion of maternal deaths. Nurses are often the first point of contact in emergencies, yet their potential is frequently underutilized due to inadequate training, unclear role definitions, and resource constraints.
Despite the critical nature of their involvement, there is limited empirical evidence on the roles and challenges faced by nurses in EmOC at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Addressing this gap is essential to optimizing their contributions to maternal health.
Objectives of the Study
1. To identify the roles and responsibilities of nurses in emergency obstetric care at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
2. To evaluate the impact of nurses’ involvement on maternal and neonatal outcomes in emergency situations.
3. To examine the challenges faced by nurses in delivering emergency obstetric care.
Research Questions
1. What are the roles and responsibilities of nurses in emergency obstetric care at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital?
2. How does nurses’ involvement affect maternal and neonatal outcomes in emergencies?
3. What challenges hinder nurses’ effectiveness in delivering emergency obstetric care?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses play critical roles in improving maternal and neonatal outcomes in emergency obstetric care.
2. The extent of nurses’ involvement significantly influences the effectiveness of emergency obstetric care.
3. Challenges such as resource limitations and inadequate training negatively affect nurses’ contributions to EmOC.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on nurses involved in EmOC at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. It excludes other healthcare professionals and non-obstetric emergency cases. Limitations include potential response bias and the exclusion of patient perspectives on care quality.
Definitions of Terms
• Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC): Medical interventions provided to address life-threatening complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
• Nurses’ Involvement: The roles and activities performed by nurses in delivering emergency obstetric care.
• Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes: Health results achieved for mothers and newborns through medical interventions.
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