An Assessment of Nurses' Knowledge and Implementation of Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Tools at Gombe State Specialist Hospital
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Pressure ulcers, also known as pressure injuries or bedsores, are localized skin and tissue injuries that develop due to prolonged pressure, shear, or friction, particularly in immobile patients. These injuries are a significant concern in healthcare settings, contributing to increased morbidity, extended hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024). Proper risk assessment is crucial in preventing pressure ulcers, and nurses play a central role in early identification and intervention through standardized risk assessment tools such as the Braden Scale, Norton Scale, and Waterlow Scale (Adeyemi & Bello, 2023).
Despite the availability of these tools, research suggests that many nurses either lack sufficient knowledge or fail to implement them effectively in clinical practice (Okonkwo et al., 2023). At Gombe State Specialist Hospital, the extent of nurses' knowledge and adherence to pressure ulcer risk assessment protocols remains unclear. Given the rising cases of pressure ulcers among hospitalized patients, there is a need to evaluate nurses' proficiency in identifying at-risk patients and implementing preventive strategies.
This study seeks to assess nurses' knowledge of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools, examine their implementation in clinical practice, and identify barriers affecting their effective use.
Statement of the Problem
Pressure ulcers remain a critical issue in Nigerian hospitals, particularly among bedridden and critically ill patients. Despite established guidelines for prevention, studies indicate that many nurses lack adequate training in the use of risk assessment tools, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention (Olawale & Yusuf, 2024). Poor implementation of pressure ulcer prevention strategies contributes to increased patient suffering, prolonged hospital stays, and financial burdens on healthcare systems.
At Gombe State Specialist Hospital, the level of nurses' awareness and utilization of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools has not been systematically evaluated. Without proper knowledge and consistent implementation, pressure ulcer prevention efforts may be ineffective. This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of nurses regarding pressure ulcer risk assessment tools and propose strategies to enhance their use.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess nurses' knowledge of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools at Gombe State Specialist Hospital.
- To examine the extent of nurses' implementation of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools in clinical practice.
- To identify challenges affecting the effective use of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools among nurses.
Research Questions
- What is the level of nurses' knowledge of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools at Gombe State Specialist Hospital?
- To what extent do nurses implement pressure ulcer risk assessment tools in clinical practice?
- What challenges hinder the effective use of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools among nurses?
Research Hypotheses
H₀: Nurses at Gombe State Specialist Hospital have low knowledge of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools.
H₁: Nurses at Gombe State Specialist Hospital have high knowledge of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools.
H₀: Nurses do not effectively implement pressure ulcer risk assessment tools in clinical practice.
H₁: Nurses effectively implement pressure ulcer risk assessment tools in clinical practice.
H₀: There are no significant challenges affecting the use of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools among nurses.
H₁: Significant challenges affect the use of pressure ulcer risk assessment tools among nurses.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working in medical, surgical, and intensive care units at Gombe State Specialist Hospital. Limitations may include variations in hospital policies regarding pressure ulcer prevention and reliance on self-reported data from nurses.
Definitions of Terms
- Pressure Ulcer – A localized injury to the skin and underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence, due to prolonged pressure.
- Risk Assessment Tool – A standardized method used by healthcare providers to evaluate a patient's risk of developing pressure ulcers.
- Implementation – The process of applying risk assessment tools in clinical practice to prevent pressure ulcers.
Related Project Materials
Impact of Managerial Accounting on Financial Efficiency in Jos North LGA
Background of the Study
Managerial accounting practices are integral to improving the...
An examination of experiential marketing strategies on social media buzz: A case study of a product launch in Abuja, Nigeria
Background of the Study:
Experiential marketing strategies have become instrumental in generating social media buzz, par...
Operationalization of the Cashless economy system in Nigeria
&nb...
The Challenges of Cybersecurity Compliance in Financial Institutions: A Case Study of Microfinance Banks in Kaduna State
Background of the Study
Cybersecurity compliance is critical for financial institutions to safeguard customer data, maintain regulatory s...
An Investigation of the Effectiveness of AI-Based Fraud Detection in University Financial Transactions: A Case Study of Federal University, Wukari (Wukari LGA, Taraba State)
Background of the Study
Universities manage substantial financial transactions, including tuition fees, salaries, research...
An Examination of Digital Code Mixing in Nigerian Online Communities: A Case Study of Facebook Posts
Background of the Study
Digital code‑mixing—the blending of elements from different languages in online communicatio...
An assessment of language symbolism in Efik religious ceremonies in Cross River State
Background of the study
This study assesses language symbolism in Efik religious ceremonies in Cross River State, focusing...
An assessment of school-to-work transition programs for students with disabilities in Suleja LGA, Niger State
Background of the study
The transition from school to work is a critical phase for students with disabilities, as it lays...
The Effectiveness of Forensic Accounting in Ensuring Transparency in International Aid Projects in Nigeria: A Case Study of USAID
Background of the Study
International aid projects play a significant role in Nigeria's development, particularly in...
The Effect of Interest Rate Changes on Bank Lending in Unity Bank Plc, Adamawa State
Background of the Study
Interest rates play a critical role in the financial sector, particularly in the lending behavior of banks. Banks...
