An investigation into the impact of nurse workload on patient safety in Jigawa State.
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Background of the Study
The quality of healthcare delivery is heavily influenced by the workload of healthcare providers, particularly nurses, who play a crucial role in direct patient care. Nurse workload refers to the number of tasks, responsibilities, and patients assigned to a nurse during a given period. Excessive workload has been linked to negative outcomes such as increased patient mortality, medication errors, and compromised patient safety (Aiken et al., 2023). The increasing global demand for healthcare services, coupled with a shortage of skilled nursing personnel, has exacerbated this problem, making nurse workload a significant concern in many healthcare systems (Garcia et al., 2024).
In low-resource settings like Nigeria, where healthcare institutions often face staffing shortages, nurses frequently experience overwhelming workloads. Jigawa State, in particular, is a region where healthcare facilities struggle with inadequate staffing due to the rural nature of the state and the difficulty in retaining healthcare professionals (Usman & Ahmed, 2024). Overburdened nurses in Jigawa State may find it challenging to maintain the highest standards of patient care, leading to compromised patient safety and quality of service delivery.
Studies have indicated that a high nurse-patient ratio results in an increase in adverse patient outcomes, including falls, infections, medication errors, and delayed treatment (Kozlowski et al., 2025). Additionally, prolonged exposure to heavy workloads negatively affects nurses' mental and physical health, further impacting patient care. In Jigawa State, where healthcare infrastructure is relatively underdeveloped, the burden of high nurse workloads may be even more pronounced, leading to significant safety concerns for patients.
This study aims to investigate the relationship between nurse workload and patient safety in Jigawa State, focusing on how excessive workload affects patient outcomes, medication administration, and error rates. The findings from this research will contribute to policies and strategies for optimizing nurse workload to enhance patient safety in Nigerian healthcare settings.
Statement of the Problem
Patient safety is a fundamental aspect of healthcare delivery, yet it is frequently compromised by issues related to nurse workload. Studies indicate that excessive workload increases the likelihood of errors, patient neglect, and even adverse medical outcomes (Al-Mansour et al., 2023). In Jigawa State, where nurse shortages and high patient influx are common challenges, ensuring patient safety has become increasingly difficult. The scarcity of available nurses often results in high nurse-patient ratios, reducing the time allocated to each patient and, consequently, the quality of care provided (Mustapha & Bello, 2024).
Despite efforts by health authorities to address staffing shortages in Jigawa State, there remains a lack of empirical research on how nurse workload directly impacts patient safety. Without concrete data, it is difficult for policymakers to implement effective interventions to optimize staffing and workload distribution. This study seeks to fill this gap by providing evidence-based insights into how nurse workload affects patient safety in selected healthcare facilities in Jigawa State.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the current nurse workload levels in selected hospitals in Jigawa State.
2. To examine the relationship between nurse workload and patient safety in these hospitals.
3. To identify strategies for mitigating the negative impact of excessive nurse workload on patient safety.
Research Questions
1. What is the current nurse workload level in selected hospitals in Jigawa State?
2. How does nurse workload affect patient safety in these hospitals?
3. What strategies can be implemented to reduce the negative effects of high nurse workload on patient safety?
Research Hypotheses
1. There is a significant relationship between nurse workload and patient safety in hospitals in Jigawa State.
2. High nurse workload increases the occurrence of patient safety incidents, including medication errors and infections.
3. Implementing workload optimization strategies will significantly improve patient safety in Jigawa State hospitals.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on selected hospitals in Jigawa State, assessing nurse workload levels and their impact on patient safety. It will include both government and private healthcare facilities to provide a comprehensive perspective. However, the study will be limited by potential challenges such as the reluctance of some healthcare workers to disclose workload-related stress and safety incidents. Additionally, the findings may not be fully generalizable to other Nigerian states with different healthcare infrastructures.
Definitions of Terms
• Nurse workload: The number of tasks and responsibilities assigned to a nurse within a given shift or time period.
• Patient safety: The prevention of medical errors and adverse health outcomes during healthcare delivery.
• Nurse-patient ratio: The number of patients assigned to a single nurse during a shift.
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