Emerging Health Issues and Challenges in the Training and Practice of Auxiliary Nurses as Ad-hoc Health Professionals in Achieving Sustainable Health Development in Delta State
CHAPTER ONE
Objectives of the Study
This study aims to achieve the following specific objectives:
- To assess the extent of emerging health issues and challenges encountered by auxiliary nurses in Delta State.
- To explore the implications of these emerging health issues and challenges on the training and practice of auxiliary nurses in the state.
- To propose evidence-based recommendations for enhancing the training and practice of auxiliary nurses to improve healthcare delivery and contribute to sustainable health development in Delta State.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Conceptual Review
In Chapter Two, the conceptual review serves as the foundational component, offering a panoramic introduction to the subsequent sections. This segment functions as the compass, directing the reader’s understanding of the multifaceted landscape surrounding auxiliary nursing in Delta State. It establishes a cohesive framework by presenting the key concepts, definitions, and fundamental aspects relevant to the study. By charting this course, the conceptual review bridges the theoretical and practical aspects of auxiliary nursing, paving the way for an in-depth exploration of training, healthcare challenges, emerging health issues, working conditions, the role in sustainable health development, community perspectives, and their interconnectedness within the healthcare ecosystem.
Auxiliary Nursing as a Concept
Auxiliary nursing is a critical component of healthcare systems globally, playing a pivotal role in bridging healthcare gaps, especially in resource-constrained settings like Delta State, Nigeria. This section delves into the concept of auxiliary nursing, shedding light on its multifaceted nature, historical context, and the pivotal roles and responsibilities it encompasses (Kulasegaram et al., 2021).
Auxiliary nursing, often referred to as “auxiliary nurse” or “auxiliary health worker,” typically denotes healthcare professionals with limited formal training in nursing (Kahaleh et al., 2021). These dedicated individuals serve as the backbone of healthcare delivery in many underserved communities (Busari et al., 2017). In the absence of registered nurses or physicians, auxiliary nurses often act as the first point of contact for patients, providing vital healthcare services, health education, and preventive care (Kulasegaram et al., 2021).
Historically, auxiliary nursing emerged as a response to the growing healthcare needs of communities with limited access to formal medical services (Busari et al., 2017). In Nigeria, for instance, auxiliary nurses were deployed to address the healthcare needs of rural and underserved populations (Kahaleh et al., 2021). This historical context underscores the significance of auxiliary nurses in addressing health disparities and promoting equitable healthcare access (Kulasegaram et al., 2021).
The roles and responsibilities of auxiliary nurses are diverse and multifaceted (Busari et al., 2017). They include providing basic medical care, administering medications, assisting with childbirth, conducting health screenings, and offering health education to individuals and communities (Ghebrehiwet et al., 2018). Their ability to perform these tasks effectively is crucial, given the scarcity of healthcare resources and personnel in many regions (Kahaleh et al., 2021).
In Delta State, Nigeria, auxiliary nurses play an indispensable role in healthcare delivery (Busari et al., 2017). They are often the first responders to medical emergencies and are responsible for identifying health issues, providing immediate care, and referring patients to higher levels of care when necessary (Kulasegaram et al., 2021). Their roles extend beyond clinical care; they also engage in health promotion and disease prevention activities, such as immunization campaigns and health education sessions (Findyartini et al., 2019).
While auxiliary nurses serve as a lifeline for many communities, their contributions often go unnoticed and undervalued (Busari et al., 2017). Limited formal training and the absence of regulatory frameworks have posed challenges to the recognition and integration of auxiliary nurses into the formal healthcare system (Kahaleh et al., 2021). As a result, they operate on the periphery, functioning as ad-hoc healthcare providers in settings where their services are desperately needed (Findyartini et al., 2019).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction Research
This chapter presents the methodology employed in investigating the emerging health issues and challenges in the training and practice of auxiliary nurses as ad-hoc health professionals in achieving sustainable health development in Delta State. The methodology is guided by established research philosophies and approaches to theory development (Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill, 2016), ensuring a rigorous and systematic study.
Research Design
The choice of research design in this study is pivotal, as it fundamentally shapes the methodology and data collection process (Saunders et al., 2019). To comprehensively investigate the emerging health issues encountered by auxiliary nurses in Delta State, a quantitative survey research design was meticulously selected. This design offers several advantages for this particular research endeavour. It enables the collection of large-scale data from a diverse and representative sample, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the healthcare landscape in Delta State (Saunders et al., 2019). By employing a quantitative approach, the study emphasizes objectivity and systematic data collection, allowing for an in-depth analysis of the emerging health challenges faced by auxiliary nurses.
Quantitative survey research, as chosen for this study, aligns with the complexity and scope of the research objectives (Saunders et al., 2019). Delta State’s healthcare system exhibits a wide range of healthcare settings and resource constraints, making it essential to gather data that can be rigorously analyzed and quantified to draw meaningful conclusions (Saunders et al., 2019). The choice of a quantitative survey design facilitates the measurement and quantification of the prevalence and significance of emerging health challenges. This approach also enables the application of statistical methods to identify patterns, correlations, and associations within the collected data, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the issues faced by auxiliary nurses (Creswell & Creswell, 2018).
Furthermore, the quantitative survey design aligns with the need for systematic and replicable research in the context of healthcare (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). By quantifying the emerging health issues, the study contributes to the body of knowledge regarding auxiliary nursing in Delta State and provides valuable data that can inform evidence-based interventions and policy decisions (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). This research design also promotes transparency and objectivity in data collection and analysis, enhancing the credibility and reliability of the study’s findings (Goddard & Melville, 2020).
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Data Presentation
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings
The study aimed to investigate emerging health issues and challenges faced by auxiliary nurses in Delta State and their implications on training, practice, and sustainable health development. It also explored recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of auxiliary nurses. The study employed a quantitative survey research design and collected data from 104 respondents actively practising as auxiliary nurses in Delta State.
Before delving into the summary of findings, it’s essential to understand the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the respondents. A total of 104 respondents participated in the study, with 55 (52.9%) males and 49 (47.1%) females. Regarding age distribution, the majority fell into the 11-13 (42.3%) and 14-15 (36.5%) age groups. Educational levels varied, with 39 (37.5%) holding bachelor’s degrees, 27 (26.0%) having master’s degrees, and 38 (36.5%) having other qualifications. In terms of current healthcare facilities, 32 (30.8%) worked in private hospitals/clinics, followed by 21 (20.2%) in public hospitals and 19 (18.3%) in non-governmental organizations. Most respondents (57.7%) had more than ten years of experience as auxiliary nurses, indicating a seasoned workforce. Furthermore, 91.3% received ongoing training and professional development, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in their roles. A significant proportion (82.7%) were members of professional nursing associations or organizations in Delta State, reflecting their commitment to their profession’s development and growth.
The study found that a majority of respondents (71.2%) agreed that auxiliary nurses in Delta State encounter a range of emerging health issues that impact their practice. This highlights the existence and recognition of these challenges within the healthcare community. Moreover, 76.9% agreed that these emerging health challenges are well-documented, indicating that there is substantial information available about these issues.
The influence of these emerging health issues on the training and practice of auxiliary nurses was also explored. A majority of respondents (75.0%) agreed that it is clear how these challenges affect their work. Additionally, 83.7% agreed that these challenges have a substantial impact on their training and practice. These findings underscore the practical significance of these issues, emphasizing that they are not abstract concerns but have tangible effects on the ground.
The study also assessed whether actionable recommendations exist to address these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of auxiliary nurses. A significant majority (87.5%) agreed that such recommendations are available. This result indicates that stakeholders within the healthcare sector, including auxiliary nurses themselves, have identified potential solutions to mitigate the impact of these emerging health challenges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the results of the hypotheses tested in this study have provided valuable insights into the relationship between emerging health issues and the ability of auxiliary nurses to provide quality healthcare services in Delta State. The findings reveal a significant relationship between the extent of emerging health issues faced by auxiliary nurses and their capacity to deliver quality healthcare. This underscores the practical implications of these challenges on the ground, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems.
These results have important policy and practice implications. Healthcare authorities, institutions, and stakeholders must acknowledge the impact of these challenges and take proactive measures to address them. Initiatives aimed at providing ongoing training, professional development, and evidence-based solutions can enhance the effectiveness of auxiliary nurses in delivering healthcare services and contribute to sustainable health development in Delta State.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are proposed:
- Ongoing Training and Professional Development: Healthcare authorities in Delta State should prioritize the continuous training and professional development of auxiliary nurses. Regular workshops, seminars, and certification programs can keep them updated on emerging health issues and enhance their skills, ultimately improving the quality of healthcare services.
- Resource Allocation: Healthcare facilities should ensure adequate allocation of resources, including medical supplies and equipment, to auxiliary nurses. Addressing resource constraints can empower these professionals to provide efficient and effective healthcare services, especially in remote areas.
- Support Networks: Establishing support networks and mentorship programs for auxiliary nurses can offer them guidance, emotional support, and a platform to share experiences and solutions. This can improve job satisfaction and retention rates.
- Integration of Evidence-Based Practices: The healthcare system in Delta State should prioritize the integration of evidence-based practices into the training and daily routines of auxiliary nurses. Implementing recommendations backed by research can enhance healthcare outcomes and contribute to sustainable health development.
- Strengthening Professional Associations: Professional nursing associations in Delta State should be strengthened and encouraged to advocate for the rights and welfare of auxiliary nurses. These associations can provide a unified voice to address emerging challenges and promote the interests of the profession.
- Policy Formulation and Implementation: Policymakers and government bodies should formulate and implement policies that specifically address the needs and challenges of auxiliary nurses. Ensuring that these policies are effectively enforced can create an enabling environment for the practice and career progression of auxiliary nurses in the state.
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