An Appraisal of Nurse Practitioners’ Effectiveness in Reducing Patient Wait Times in Public Hospitals in Katsina State
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Background of the Study
Long patient wait times are a significant challenge in public hospitals, contributing to patient dissatisfaction, overcrowding, and delays in medical care. Several factors contribute to prolonged wait times, including a shortage of healthcare professionals, inefficient hospital workflows, and an increasing patient load (World Health Organization, 2024). Nurse practitioners (NPs) have emerged as key healthcare providers capable of reducing patient wait times by offering timely medical assessments, initiating treatment, and managing less critical cases independently (Aliyu & Usman, 2023).
Studies have shown that nurse practitioners enhance efficiency in healthcare delivery by complementing physicians' roles, particularly in primary and emergency care settings (Bello et al., 2023). Their ability to perform physical examinations, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and provide health counseling reduces dependency on doctors and speeds up patient flow within hospitals (Ibrahim & Yusuf, 2024).
In Katsina State, public hospitals face significant strain due to high patient numbers and limited medical personnel. Despite the presence of nurse practitioners, the extent of their effectiveness in reducing patient wait times has not been extensively studied. This research aims to assess the impact of nurse practitioners on improving healthcare efficiency in public hospitals in Katsina State.
Statement of the Problem
Excessive patient wait times negatively impact healthcare outcomes by delaying diagnosis and treatment, increasing patient frustration, and overburdening hospital staff (Ahmed & Yusuf, 2023). Although nurse practitioners have been integrated into public hospitals in Katsina State, their role in reducing wait times remains underexplored.
In some healthcare settings, NPs face challenges such as limited autonomy, insufficient institutional support, and resistance from other medical professionals, which may hinder their ability to optimize hospital workflows. Without empirical data on their effectiveness, policymakers may struggle to fully leverage the potential of nurse practitioners to address hospital congestion. This study seeks to evaluate the contributions of NPs in reducing wait times and improving patient flow in Katsina State’s public hospitals.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the effectiveness of nurse practitioners in reducing patient wait times in public hospitals in Katsina State.
- To identify factors that influence the efficiency of NPs in hospital settings.
- To evaluate patient satisfaction with nurse practitioner-led care in reducing wait times.
Research Questions
- How effective are nurse practitioners in reducing patient wait times in public hospitals in Katsina State?
- What factors influence the ability of nurse practitioners to improve hospital workflow and efficiency?
- How do patients perceive the role of nurse practitioners in reducing wait times?
Research Hypotheses
- Nurse practitioners significantly reduce patient wait times in public hospitals in Katsina State.
- The efficiency of nurse practitioners in reducing wait times is influenced by institutional support and hospital policies.
- Patients who receive care from nurse practitioners report higher satisfaction with wait times compared to traditional physician-led care models.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on selected public hospitals in Katsina State where nurse practitioners are actively involved in patient care. Limitations may include variations in hospital policies and staffing ratios, which could affect the generalizability of the findings.
Definition of Terms
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Advanced practice nurses who have received specialized training to provide primary and acute care services, including diagnosis, treatment, and patient management.
- Patient Wait Time: The duration between a patient’s arrival at a healthcare facility and when they receive medical attention.
- Healthcare Efficiency: The ability of healthcare systems to deliver timely and quality medical care to patients.
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