Background of the Study
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice nurses who possess the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive healthcare, including diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive services. They play a critical role in primary healthcare settings, particularly in underserved regions where there is a shortage of medical doctors. NPs are often tasked with managing common health conditions, conducting health screenings, providing counseling, and coordinating care for patients (Oluwaseun et al., 2023).
In Gombe State, Nigeria, primary healthcare facilities serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, offering essential services to a largely rural population. However, these facilities face significant challenges, including limited healthcare personnel, inadequate infrastructure, and a high burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. In such settings, the inclusion of nurse practitioners in primary healthcare teams has the potential to enhance healthcare delivery, improve patient access to care, and reduce the workload of medical doctors. Despite this potential, the acceptance and utilization of nurse practitioners in primary healthcare facilities in Gombe State remain unclear.
This study aims to assess the level of acceptance and utilization of nurse practitioners in primary healthcare facilities in Gombe State. It will explore factors influencing the integration of nurse practitioners into primary care teams, including the perceptions of healthcare workers, patients, and policymakers, as well as challenges to their full utilization in providing care.
Statement of the Problem
The integration of nurse practitioners into primary healthcare settings in Gombe State could enhance the delivery of care, especially in underserved areas. However, there are concerns regarding the acceptance and utilization of nurse practitioners by both healthcare providers and patients. This study seeks to assess the extent to which nurse practitioners are accepted and utilized in primary healthcare facilities in Gombe State, examining the barriers and facilitators to their effective integration.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the level of acceptance of nurse practitioners by healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers in primary healthcare facilities in Gombe State.
2. To evaluate the extent to which nurse practitioners are utilized in providing care in primary healthcare facilities in Gombe State.
3. To identify the factors influencing the acceptance and utilization of nurse practitioners in primary healthcare settings in Gombe State.
Research Questions
1. To what extent are nurse practitioners accepted by healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers in primary healthcare facilities in Gombe State?
2. How extensively are nurse practitioners utilized in primary healthcare facilities in Gombe State?
3. What factors influence the acceptance and utilization of nurse practitioners in primary healthcare settings in Gombe State?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurse practitioners are widely accepted by healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers in primary healthcare facilities in Gombe State.
2. Nurse practitioners are underutilized in primary healthcare facilities in Gombe State due to factors such as inadequate training, limited scope of practice, and resistance from medical doctors.
3. Factors such as positive perceptions of nurse practitioners’ capabilities and clear role definitions increase their utilization in primary healthcare facilities in Gombe State.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on primary healthcare facilities in Gombe State, examining the acceptance and utilization of nurse practitioners. Limitations may include variations in the acceptance of nurse practitioners across different facilities, possible biases in participant responses, and constraints in obtaining data from rural and hard-to-reach areas.
Definitions of Terms
• Nurse Practitioners: Advanced practice nurses with specialized training who provide comprehensive healthcare services, often in primary care settings, including diagnosis, treatment, and health education.
• Primary Healthcare Facilities: Healthcare centers that provide essential services such as immunization, maternal and child care, treatment for common illnesses, and health education, often serving rural and underserved populations.
• Utilization of Nurse Practitioners: The extent to which nurse practitioners are involved in providing patient care, including their role in diagnosing, treating, and managing patients' health needs within primary healthcare settings.
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