Background of the Study
Enteral nutrition, the administration of nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal tract, is a critical intervention for patients who cannot meet their nutritional needs through oral intake alone. It is commonly used in patients with critical illnesses, neurological impairments, or severe malnutrition. Proper implementation of enteral nutrition is vital for patient recovery, reducing complications such as infections, and improving overall outcomes (ASPEN, 2023). Nurses play a pivotal role in initiating, monitoring, and managing enteral nutrition in hospital settings, ensuring adherence to evidence-based practices.
Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital, like many tertiary healthcare institutions in Nigeria, frequently handles cases requiring enteral nutrition. Despite its importance, there are concerns about the knowledge levels of nurses regarding best practices in enteral nutrition, such as tube placement, formula preparation, and monitoring for complications. Furthermore, challenges like limited resources, inadequate training, and high patient-nurse ratios may impact the effective implementation of enteral nutrition practices. This study aims to evaluate nurses' knowledge and the extent to which they adhere to best practices in enteral nutrition, identifying gaps and proposing strategies for improvement.
Statement of the Problem
Inadequate knowledge and improper implementation of enteral nutrition practices can lead to severe complications, including aspiration pneumonia, tube blockage, and inadequate nutrient delivery. At Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital, there is limited data on nurses' understanding of and adherence to established protocols for enteral nutrition. Additionally, factors such as insufficient training, lack of standardized guidelines, and resource constraints may hinder optimal care delivery. This study seeks to assess the current knowledge and practices of nurses in enteral nutrition and identify barriers to best practice implementation.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess nurses' knowledge of best practices in enteral nutrition at Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital.
2. To evaluate the implementation of enteral nutrition practices by nurses in clinical settings.
3. To identify challenges affecting the adherence to best practices in enteral nutrition.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of nurses' knowledge regarding best practices in enteral nutrition?
2. How effectively are these best practices implemented in the hospital setting?
3. What challenges do nurses face in adhering to enteral nutrition protocols?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses at Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital possess adequate knowledge of best practices in enteral nutrition.
2. Effective implementation of enteral nutrition practices significantly improves patient outcomes.
3. Barriers such as limited resources, inadequate training, and high patient-nurse ratios impede adherence to best practices in enteral nutrition.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in critical care, surgical, and general medical wards at Kaduna State University Teaching Hospital. Data collection methods will include questionnaires, observational audits, and interviews. Limitations may include self-reporting bias, variations in departmental protocols, and limited access to patient outcome data.
Definitions of Terms
• Enteral Nutrition: The delivery of nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal tract via tubes for patients unable to consume food orally.
• Best Practices: Standardized, evidence-based procedures that are widely accepted as being effective in achieving optimal outcomes.
• Nutritional Complications: Adverse effects arising from improper nutritional support, such as infections or nutrient imbalances.
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