TABLE OF CONENTS
ABSTRACT. ii
TABLE OF CONENTS. iv
CHAPTER ONE. 1
INTRODUCTION. 1
1.1 Background to the Study. 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem.. 4
1.3 Objectives of the Study. 6
1.4 Research Questions. 6
1.5 Research Hypothesis. 7
1.6 Significance of the Study. 7
1.7 Scope of the Study. 8
1.8 Limitations of the Study. 8
1.9 Organization of the Study. 8
1.10 Definition of Terms. 9
CHAPTER TWO.. 12
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE. 12
2.1 Introduction. 12
2.2 Theoretical Review.. 12
2.2.1 Benner's Novice to Expert Theory. 12
2.2.2 Theory of Human Caring (Jean Watson) 13
2.2.3 Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory. 13
2.3 Conceptual Review.. 14
2.3.1 Overview of Key Concepts. 14
2.3.2 Historical Context of Nursing Education in Nigeria. 14
2.3.3 Nursing Education and Clinical Competence. 15
2.3.4 Relationship Between Nursing Education and Patient Safety. 15
2.3.5 Evidence-Based Practice and Patient Outcomes. 15
2.3.6 Addressing the Burden of Disease. 16
2.3.7 Maternal and Child Health Outcomes. 16
2.3.8 Interdisciplinary Collaboration. 16
2.3.9 Challenges in Nursing Education. 17
2.3.10 Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide. 17
2.3.11 Technology and Simulation in Nursing Education. 17
2.4 Empirical Review.. 18
2.5 Summary of Literature Reviews. 20
CHAPTER THREE. 21
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY. 21
3.1 Research Design. 21
3.2 Area of Study. 21
3.3 Population of the Study. 22
3.4 Sample Size and Sampling Technique. 22
3.5 Instrumentation. 22
3.6 Validity and Reliability of the Instrument 23
3.7 Data Collection Procedure. 23
3.8 Method of Data Analysis. 23
3.9 Ethical Considerations. 24
CHAPTER FOUR. 25
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION. 25
4.1 Preamble. 25
4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 25
4.3 Analysis of the Respondents’ Views on Research Question one: 30
4.4 Research Hypothesis. 42
4.5 Discussion of Findings. 43
CHAPTER FIVE. 46
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 46
5.1 Summary Of Findings. 46
REFERENCES. 51
APPENDICES. 55
APPENDIX I: RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE. 55
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Nurse education is a very important concern as it plays a crucial role in educating and empowering nurses in both educational and clinical settings worldwide (Holland, 2016). As nurses' roles continue to expand, there is an increasing need for knowledge, skill acquisition and the ability to make clinical judgments to meet healthcare expectations (Willis Commission, 2012).
Therefore, it is of utmost importance that a critical understanding of the global perspective of nursing education is analyzed to facilitate the preparation of nurses and ensure a comparison of theoretical and clinical knowledge and expertise. However, despite the setting of global standards by the World Health Organization (Shishani et al., 2012; WHO, 2009), variations in the delivery of nursing education worldwide have impacted the consistency and efficiency of nursing practice (Shishani et al., 2012; WHO, 2009) .
The history of nursing education in Nigeria began with Florence Nightingale's concept, which dates back to the Crimean War of 1854-1856. However, the ideology of nursing came to Nigeria through the early missionaries with the incorporation of Nigeria by the British colony (1861). Nursing in Nigeria therefore began informally as a spiritual duty of care for physically ill and injured persons (NMCN, 2016). However, this duty of care motivated the missionaries of the time to establish nursing homes and pharmacies to provide nursing education, which began nursing education as a profession, although this form of informal nursing education was limited by language barriers (NijaNurses, 2016).
In addition, the International Council of Nurses developed the four areas of health promotion, disease prevention, restoration of health, and relief of suffering to organize nursing into a more formal professional form (ICN, 1899). This led to the establishment of the first formal nursing education, a nursing school established in 1949 and at the same time, the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) was established to ensure standards in nursing education. Since the founding of the NMCN, there has been a significant change in nursing education (NMCN, 2016). This emergence and reconceptualization of nursing education from a profession to a high level of professionalism has led to the development of nurses with a broad educational background, scientific and technological advancements, and higher levels of literacy to meet the changing roles of the nursing profession (Ayandiran et al. , 2013).
Improved nursing education equips practitioners with advanced knowledge, skills and a scientific approach to patient care, which directly impacts the quality of healthcare services. Studies show that nurses with higher levels of education, including specialized training, have better decision-making skills, improved patient communication, and adherence to clinical guidelines.
This positively correlates with patient safety and satisfaction and reduces mortality and morbidity rates in the Nigerian healthcare system (Adebayo et al., 2020; Anabaraonye, 2020). Challenges such as inadequate regulatory frameworks, limited access to continuing education and labor shortages hamper the development of nursing education in Nigeria. These issues lead to discrepancies in service delivery and risks to patient safety. In addition, systemic problems such as quackery in nursing and inadequate enforcement of professional standards affect the quality of care.
Addressing these barriers through investment in nursing education and training is critical to improving patient outcomes (World Health Organization, 2019; Adereti & Olaogun, 2020). Culturally responsive nursing education also plays a critical role in addressing the diverse patient demographics in Nigeria. Programs that emphasize cultural competency enable nurses to provide tailored care that takes into account patients' cultural, linguistic and social characteristics.
This is critical to promote trust, reduce health disparities, and ensure effective communication between caregivers and patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Additionally, integrating standardized nursing language and care plans into curricula increases consistency and documentation and further improves patient outcomes (Mediterranean Nursing and Midwifery, 2023). Efforts to strengthen nursing education, such as incorporating standardized care into training and mandatory continuing professional development programs, are promising.
Despite this progress, broader reforms, including increased investment, policy enforcement and addressing systemic challenges such as quackery, are critical to achieving sustained improvements in the quality of patient care in Nigeria. Strengthening nursing education not only strengthens the workforce but also creates the foundation for a more robust and equitable healthcare system (Ibidunni, 2019; Free Online Library, 2023).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The inadequate emphasis on nursing education in Nigeria poses a significant challenge to achieving optimal patient outcomes. Despite the critical role nurses play in healthcare delivery, there is a notable disparity in the quality of nursing training and education across the country. This is compounded by limited access to advanced and continuing professional development programs, which hinders the ability of nurses to adopt evidence-based practices and modern care protocols. Consequently, patient outcomes are negatively affected, with increased incidences of preventable complications, higher mortality rates, and diminished patient satisfaction. Moreover, the prevalence of quackery and unlicensed practice further undermines the profession's credibility and compromises patient safety (Adebayo & Olaogun, 2020; Free Online Library, 2023).
Systemic challenges such as outdated curricula, inadequate funding for nursing schools, and weak enforcement of regulatory standards exacerbate the problem. For example, the lack of standardized nursing care plans and insufficient training on their application contributes to inconsistencies in care delivery. These issues are particularly critical in Nigeria's culturally diverse setting, where tailored, patient-centered care is essential. Addressing these gaps through strategic investment in nursing education and regulatory reforms is vital for improving healthcare quality and equity. Such measures are necessary to empower the nursing workforce and establish a foundation for enhanced patient outcomes across the country (Mediterranean Nursing and Midwifery, 2023; World Health Organization, 2019).Top of Form
Bottom of Form
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine Impact of Nursing Education on Patient Outcomes in Nigerian Healthcare systems. Specific objectives of the study are:
- To assess the relationship between the level of nursing education and patient satisfaction in Nigerian hospitals.
- To evaluate the impact of nursing education on patient mortality rates in Nigerian hospitals.
- To examine the association between nursing education and the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in Nigerian hospitals.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- How does the level of nursing education correlate with patient satisfaction in Nigerian hospitals?
- Does the level of nursing education of nurses have a significant impact on patient mortality rates in Nigerian hospitals?
3. Is there a relationship between the level of nursing education and the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in Nigerian hospitals?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: Nursing education has no significant impact on patient outcomes in Nigerian healthcare systems.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Nursing Science sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to School of Nursing and Midwifery Anua,Uyo. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
1.10 Definition of Terms
- Nursing Education
The formal training and instruction provided to individuals pursuing a career in nursing, which includes theoretical knowledge, clinical practice, and professional skills to deliver quality patient care.
- Patient Outcomes
Measurable changes in a patient's health status resulting from healthcare interventions, including improvements in health conditions, recovery rates, patient satisfaction, and reduced mortality rates.
- Healthcare Systems
Organized structures and resources, including hospitals, clinics, workforce, policies, and technologies, designed to deliver healthcare services to a population effectively and efficiently.
- Competency-Based Training
A nursing education approach focused on developing specific skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for delivering high-quality patient care and meeting healthcare standards.
- Professional Development
Continuous learning and skill enhancement opportunities for nurses, enabling them to stay updated on current practices, technologies, and research in healthcare to improve patient outcomes.
- Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
The integration of clinical expertise, patient preferences, and the best available research evidence in making decisions about patient care to enhance outcomes.
- Nurse-to-Patient Ratio
The number of nurses available to care for a specified number of patients, which significantly influences the quality of care, patient safety, and overall outcomes within the healthcare system.
