An Investigation into Nurse Practitioners’ Role in Addressing Healthcare Worker Shortages in Kwara State
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Healthcare worker shortages are a critical challenge in Nigeria, particularly in Kwara State, where rural and underserved areas face significant gaps in healthcare access. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an adequate workforce is essential for delivering quality healthcare services, yet many regions in Nigeria continue to struggle with an insufficient number of physicians and other medical professionals (WHO, 2023). Nurse practitioners (NPs), as advanced practice nurses, are well-positioned to fill this gap by providing primary, preventive, and specialized healthcare services.
The increasing burden of non-communicable and infectious diseases, coupled with high population growth, has further strained the limited healthcare workforce in Kwara State. Many rural communities lack physicians, and patients often rely on undertrained or overburdened healthcare workers. With advanced clinical training, NPs can diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of health conditions, improving healthcare access and outcomes. However, the full integration of NPs into healthcare delivery systems in Nigeria remains limited by regulatory, institutional, and cultural barriers.
This study seeks to investigate the extent to which NPs are helping to mitigate healthcare worker shortages in Kwara State and identify strategies to maximize their contributions.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the pressing need for more healthcare providers in Kwara State, the potential of nurse practitioners in alleviating workforce shortages remains underutilized. NPs can provide essential services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, yet they face obstacles such as restrictive regulations, limited recognition of their roles, and workforce integration challenges. Furthermore, there is insufficient data on how effectively NPs are contributing to healthcare service delivery in response to the shortage of physicians and other healthcare professionals in the state.
This study will explore the contributions of NPs in addressing healthcare workforce shortages in Kwara State, examining their scope of practice, barriers to full utilization, and their impact on healthcare accessibility and patient outcomes.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the current role of nurse practitioners in addressing healthcare worker shortages in Kwara State.
2. To evaluate the impact of NPs on healthcare access, patient outcomes, and service efficiency in underserved areas.
3. To identify challenges limiting the full utilization of NPs and propose solutions to enhance their role in mitigating workforce shortages.
Research Questions
1. What is the current role of nurse practitioners in healthcare service delivery in Kwara State?
2. How do NPs influence healthcare access, patient outcomes, and service efficiency in areas affected by workforce shortages?
3. What barriers prevent NPs from fully addressing healthcare workforce shortages, and what strategies can be implemented to enhance their role?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurse practitioners play a significant role in improving healthcare access in areas affected by workforce shortages in Kwara State.
2. The integration of NPs into healthcare systems leads to improved patient outcomes and service efficiency.
3. Regulatory, institutional, and cultural barriers hinder the full utilization of NPs in addressing healthcare worker shortages.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on healthcare facilities across both urban and rural areas of Kwara State, assessing the role and impact of NPs in addressing healthcare workforce shortages. Data will be collected from healthcare workers, policymakers, and patients through surveys, interviews, and analysis of healthcare records. Limitations may include variations in NP roles across different facilities, potential bias in self-reported data, and constraints in accessing certain healthcare settings.
Definitions of Terms
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Advanced practice registered nurses with specialized training who provide diagnostic, treatment, and management services.
• Healthcare Worker Shortages: A deficit in the number of medical professionals needed to provide adequate healthcare services to a population.
• Primary Healthcare Services: Basic health services provided at the first level of healthcare delivery, including preventive and curative care.
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