Background of the Study
Effective pain management is a critical component of oncology care, as cancer-related pain significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Oncology nurses play a pivotal role in assessing and managing this pain, utilizing standardized pain assessment protocols to ensure consistent and effective care. Adherence to these protocols is essential for accurate pain evaluation and timely intervention.
In Plateau State, Nigeria, the adherence of oncology nurses to established pain assessment protocols remains underexplored. Factors such as limited resources, inadequate training, and high patient-to-nurse ratios may influence compliance. Understanding the current level of adherence and identifying barriers are crucial steps toward improving pain management practices in this region.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the availability of pain assessment protocols, there is evidence suggesting suboptimal adherence among healthcare providers. A study assessing pain assessment practices in patients with cancer admitted to an oncology floor found that while pain intensity documentation was high (84%), other aspects, such as pain characteristics and reassessment, were less consistently documented.
jhoponline.com
In Plateau State, the extent to which oncology nurses adhere to pain assessment protocols is not well-documented. This gap in knowledge may contribute to inadequate pain management, leading to unnecessary patient suffering and decreased quality of life. Therefore, this study aims to assess the adherence of oncology nurses to pain assessment protocols and identify factors influencing their compliance.
Objectives of the Study
1. To evaluate the level of adherence to pain assessment protocols among oncology nurses in Plateau State.
2. To identify factors that influence adherence to these protocols.
3. To assess the impact of adherence levels on patient outcomes related to pain management.
Research Questions
1. What is the current level of adherence to pain assessment protocols among oncology nurses in Plateau State?
2. What factors influence oncology nurses' adherence to these protocols?
3. How does adherence to pain assessment protocols affect patient outcomes in terms of pain management?
Research Hypotheses
1. Oncology nurses in Plateau State exhibit varying levels of adherence to pain assessment protocols.
2. Factors such as training, workload, and resource availability significantly influence adherence to pain assessment protocols.
3. Higher adherence to pain assessment protocols is associated with improved patient outcomes in pain management.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on oncology nurses working in public and private healthcare facilities in Plateau State. Data will be collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and patient record reviews to assess adherence levels and influencing factors. Limitations may include self-reporting biases, variability in protocol implementation across facilities, and challenges in isolating the impact of adherence on patient outcomes due to confounding variables.
Definitions of Terms
• Pain Assessment Protocols: Standardized guidelines used by healthcare providers to evaluate and document patients' pain levels and characteristics.
• Adherence: The extent to which healthcare providers follow established protocols or guidelines in their practice.
• Oncology Nurses: Registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients with cancer, including pain assessment and management.
Background to the Study
The first newspaper to be published was a daily news-sheet called actadium...
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Television broadcasting has emerged as a transformative tool in addressin...
Background of the Study
Vocational education has been increasingly recognized as a potent instrument for...
Background of the Study
Combined tax reforms in Nigeria involve a systematic overhaul of both direct and indirect taxation...
ABSTRACT
The study examined and determined sexual activities of the selected Senior Secondary School St...
Background of the Study
Infrastructural development is a critical determinant of economic growth, yet many regions in Nigeria, particular...
Abstract
This work and research carried out by the researcher has brought new awareness to the issue of Christians a...
Background of the Study:
International legal reforms have increasingly influenced the resolution of trade disputes by establishing more r...
Background of the Study
Sedentary lifestyles, characterized by prolonged periods of physical inactivity,...
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Corporate communication is an integral...