An Appraisal of Nurses' Awareness and Implementation of Early Warning Scores for Deteriorating Patients at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital
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Background of the Study
Early Warning Scores (EWS) are standardized tools used in healthcare settings to identify patients at risk of clinical deterioration. These scoring systems help nurses and other healthcare professionals detect physiological changes early and initiate timely interventions, reducing morbidity and mortality (Smith et al., 2024). The implementation of EWS is crucial in preventing avoidable complications in hospitalized patients, particularly those in critical care and emergency settings.
In Nigeria, the use of EWS is still evolving, with limited data on its awareness and implementation among nurses. At Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), EWS adoption is expected to enhance patient outcomes by facilitating early intervention. However, factors such as inadequate training, workload, and resource limitations may hinder nurses' awareness and effective implementation of EWS (Adebayo & Hassan, 2023).
This study seeks to appraise nurses' awareness and implementation of EWS at EKSUTH, identifying gaps in knowledge and practice and providing recommendations to improve patient safety through better utilization of early warning systems.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the proven effectiveness of EWS in detecting patient deterioration, its adoption in Nigerian healthcare settings remains inconsistent (Okafor & Adeyemi, 2024). Reports suggest that nurses at EKSUTH may not be fully aware of or adequately implementing EWS, which could contribute to preventable patient deterioration and increased mortality rates.
A lack of standardized training and institutional support may further limit the effectiveness of EWS implementation among nurses at EKSUTH. This study aims to assess nurses' awareness and implementation of EWS, highlighting barriers and proposing strategies to enhance adherence to this critical patient safety tool.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the level of awareness of Early Warning Scores among nurses at EKSUTH.
- To evaluate the extent of EWS implementation in monitoring deteriorating patients at EKSUTH.
- To identify challenges affecting nurses’ implementation of EWS and propose strategies for improvement.
Research Questions
- What is the level of awareness of Early Warning Scores among nurses at EKSUTH?
- To what extent are nurses implementing EWS in monitoring deteriorating patients?
- What are the challenges affecting nurses’ implementation of EWS, and how can adherence be improved?
Research Hypotheses
H₀: Nurses at EKSUTH have low awareness of Early Warning Scores.
H₁: Nurses at EKSUTH have high awareness of Early Warning Scores.
H₀: Nurses at EKSUTH do not adequately implement Early Warning Scores in monitoring deteriorating patients.
H₁: Nurses at EKSUTH adequately implement Early Warning Scores in monitoring deteriorating patients.
H₀: There are no significant challenges affecting nurses’ implementation of EWS.
H₁: Significant challenges affect nurses’ implementation of EWS.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working at EKSUTH and their awareness and implementation of EWS. Limitations may include variations in EWS protocols across departments and potential bias in self-reported responses.
Definitions of Terms
- Early Warning Scores (EWS) – A standardized tool used to detect early signs of clinical deterioration in hospitalized patients.
- Clinical Deterioration – A decline in a patient’s physiological condition, requiring urgent medical intervention.
- Implementation – The process of integrating EWS into routine nursing practice to improve patient outcomes.
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