ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF NURSING IN THE MANAGEMENT OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF LAGOS TEACHING HOSPITAL)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   Background to the Study

In recent decades, numerous communicable diseases have spread in human society, some of which have caused great threats, burdens and losses to humanity, such as the 2003 SARS epidemic, the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic and the Ebola virus disease 2014 epidemic (Zawilińska & Kosz-Vnenchak, 2014), the MERS threat in 2015 (Mackay & Arden, 2015) and the current coronavirus disease outbreak (Valencia, 2020).

These widespread infectious diseases represent one of the greatest threats to the world. Furthermore, infectious disease outbreaks have increased in frequency and intensity, posing much greater challenges and strains to medical systems (Nii-Trebi, 2017). The abruptness and rapid spread of infectious disease outbreaks have highlighted the capacity and speed of government and medical systems to respond. In the fight against infectious diseases, humanity has become aware of some infectious diseases. Accordingly, most governments and healthcare institutions have established systematic contingency plans to ensure that necessary support is provided during outbreaks to enable healthcare workers to effectively treat and care for patients (Griffin et al., 2020; Imai et al., 2008).

In reality, the initial response to infectious disease outbreaks typically comes from healthcare nurses or doctors rather than the government (Almutairi et al., 2016). In Nigeria, managing infectious disease outbreaks represents a major public health challenge and requires coordinated efforts by many healthcare professionals, with nursing staff playing a key role.

Nursing interventions are critical during emergencies, as demonstrated by the increase in epidemics such as COVID-19, Lassa fever, and Ebola (NCDC, 2020). Nurses are often on the front lines, providing patient care, monitoring the spread of disease and educating the public to prevent transmission. Their unique role allows them to bridge the gap between patients and other healthcare providers and provide a holistic approach to managing outbreaks (Akinyemi et al., 2021). The role of nursing goes beyond treating illness. This includes public education, which is critical to effectively managing outbreaks.

During the Ebola outbreak in 2014, nurses were an integral part of patient management and community awareness efforts, highlighting their role as health educators and advocates (Okunola et al., 2018). The ability of nurses to communicate important health information to communities contributes significantly to preventive measures and adherence to public health guidelines, which are critical to controlling the spread of infectious diseases (Owoaje et al., 2021).

Public health strategies become more effective when care is integrated into the outbreak response framework. Because of their close relationship with patients, nurses are in a unique position to detect early signs of outbreaks, making them important players in surveillance and reporting (Fadare et al., 2020). Response times and patient outcomes can be improved by establishing clear protocols that allow nurses to act decisively during outbreaks (Ibrahim et al., 2022).

Additionally, nurses can improve their skills and ensure they are equipped to deal with emerging infectious diseases by developing specialized training programs that focus on outbreak management. Research highlights the importance of improving communication between nurses and other healthcare professionals and revising policies to promote greater nursing involvement in outbreak response (Alabi et al., 2021). Nigeria can improve its ability to control infectious disease outbreaks and protect public health by leveraging the knowledge and frontline role of nurses.

1.2 Statement of The Problem

For healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. Despite being at the forefront of patient care during outbreaks, nurses frequently lack the necessary support and training to effectively carry out their roles in disease management and prevention (NCDC, 2020). This gap can lead to ineffective responses, increased morbidity and mortality rates, and a general mistrust in the healthcare system during public health crises. As the country continues to face recurrent outbreaks, understanding the specific roles and contributions of nursing within this context is crucial for enhancing response strategies and improving overall public health outcomes (Akinyemi et al., 2021).

Moreover, the integration of nursing practice into outbreak management is often undervalued, leading to missed opportunities for early detection and intervention. Nurses, who frequently serve as the first point of contact for patients, are essential in surveillance, community education, and the implementation of infection control measures. However, their contributions are often overshadowed by a focus on higher-level healthcare providers, resulting in a lack of recognition and support for nursing roles in outbreak scenarios (Okunola et al., 2018). Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive assessment of nursing’s role in infectious disease outbreaks, which can inform policies and training programs aimed at strengthening the healthcare workforce in Nigeria.Top of Form

1.3 Objectives of The Study

The main objective of the study is to examine Assessment of the Role of Nursing in the Management of Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are:

1. To evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions in mitigating the spread and impact of infectious disease outbreaks in Nigeria.
2. To identify the challenges faced by nurses in managing infectious disease outbreaks and explore strategies for addressing these challenges.
3. To assess the role of nurses in promoting community awareness and preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks.

1.4 Research Questions

To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:

1. What are the primary nursing interventions implemented during infectious disease outbreaks in Nigeria, and how do they contribute to disease containment?
2. What are the major challenges faced by nurses in providing care during infectious disease outbreaks in Nigeria, and how do these challenges impact the quality of care delivered?
3. How do nurses contribute to community education and awareness regarding infectious disease prevention and control?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:

Ho: There is no significant difference in the effectiveness of nursing roles in the management of infectious disease outbreaks in Nigeria, regardless of the level of training, resources, and community engagement.

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 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 analyzed 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 organizations 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 Lagos Teaching Hospital. 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 are 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

1. Infectious Disease Outbreak

A sudden increase in the number of cases of an infectious disease within a specific geographical area and time period, often requiring public health intervention.

2.  Nursing Role

 The responsibilities and functions performed by nurses in patient care, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation, particularly in the context of infectious disease management.

3.  Public Health Nursing

 A specialized field of nursing that focuses on promoting and protecting the health of populations, emphasizing disease prevention, health education, and community health initiatives.

4.  Infection Control

A set of practices and procedures aimed at preventing the spread of infections within healthcare settings and the community, including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and isolation protocols.

5.  Surveillance

 The continuous, systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data to monitor disease trends and outbreaks, guiding public health action and resource allocation.

6. Community Engagement

 The process of involving community members in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of health interventions, fostering collaboration to address health challenges, particularly during outbreaks.

7.  Capacity Building

Efforts aimed at improving the skills, knowledge, and resources of healthcare workers, particularly nurses, to enhance their effectiveness in managing infectious disease outbreaks and responding to public health emergencies.