Background of the Study
Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are specialized units within hospitals designed to provide advanced care to newborns, particularly those born prematurely or with serious health complications. At Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the NICU plays a critical role in ensuring that neonates receive the care they need to survive and thrive. Nurses working in the NICU must possess a high level of specialized knowledge and clinical skills to manage the complex conditions of neonates, ranging from respiratory distress syndrome to infections and congenital abnormalities.
Best practices in NICU care, as outlined by global health organizations and professional nursing bodies, include evidence-based guidelines on monitoring vital signs, managing respiratory support, infection prevention, and ensuring optimal nutrition for neonates. Adherence to these best practices is essential for reducing the risk of complications, improving survival rates, and supporting long-term health outcomes for neonates. However, previous studies have shown that gaps in knowledge and inconsistent adherence to these best practices can compromise the quality of care provided to neonates.
This study will examine the knowledge and adherence to best practices by nurses working in the NICU at LUTH, identifying areas for improvement to enhance the quality of neonatal care.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the availability of established best practices for neonatal care, there is often variability in the level of knowledge and adherence to these guidelines among nurses working in neonatal units. At LUTH, the impact of this variability on the quality of care provided in the NICU remains unclear. Understanding the gaps in nurses' knowledge and their ability to adhere to best practices is crucial in improving the care and outcomes for neonates in this specialized setting.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the level of knowledge of nurses working in the NICU at LUTH regarding best practices in neonatal care.
2. To evaluate the extent to which nurses in the NICU adhere to established best practices in neonatal care.
3. To identify factors that influence nurses' adherence to best practices in the NICU at LUTH.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of knowledge of nurses in the NICU at LUTH regarding best practices in neonatal care?
2. To what extent do nurses in the NICU at LUTH adhere to established best practices in neonatal care?
3. What factors influence nurses' adherence to best practices in the NICU at LUTH?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses in the NICU at LUTH possess a moderate to high level of knowledge regarding best practices in neonatal care.
2. Nurses in the NICU at LUTH demonstrate partial adherence to best practices in neonatal care.
3. Factors such as inadequate training, lack of resources, and insufficient staffing negatively impact nurses' adherence to best practices in the NICU.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in the NICU at LUTH and will evaluate their knowledge and adherence to best practices in neonatal care. Limitations may include the potential for self-reporting bias, and variability in adherence may be influenced by differences in nurses' years of experience and training.
Definitions of Terms
• Best Practices in Neonatal Care: Evidence-based guidelines and procedures established for the optimal care of neonates in a NICU setting.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): A specialized unit in hospitals designed to provide advanced medical care for newborns with serious health conditions.
• Adherence to Best Practices: The degree to which nurses follow established guidelines and standards of care in their clinical practice within the NICU.
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