At Cornerstone University and Theological Seminary, Cameroon, we are committed to fostering impactful research that addresses critical real-world challenges. We are thrilled to highlight a significant new publication from our dedicated students that sheds light on the vital dynamics of patient care.
Our esteemed researchers from Cornerstone University and Theological Seminary, Limbe, Cameroon, have published a compelling study titled: “Assessing Behaviors and Factors That Influence Patient Care by Nurses at the Buea Regional Hospital, Southwest Region, Cameroon.” This timely research dives deep into the heart of healthcare delivery, focusing on the crucial role of nurses and the elements that shape their interaction with patients.
Nurses are the backbone of patient recovery, and understanding their behaviors and the factors influencing their care is paramount, especially in developing countries like Cameroon, where challenges such as high patient load often exceed WHO recommendations. This study, conducted between January and February 2024 at the Buea Regional Hospital, surveyed 78 adult patients to gain firsthand perspectives.
Key Findings from the Study:
The results reveal a largely positive picture of nursing care:
- A remarkable 71.8% of participants attested that nurses spoke to patients politely.
- 60.3% observed nurses working effectively in teams.
- Notably, 66.7% of patients felt safe during their hospital stay, and 66.7% reported nurses to be kind-hearted, leading 71.8% of patients to feel free to express themselves.
However, the study also pinpointed significant systemic factors influencing nurses’ attitudes:
- A staggering 70.5% of participants identified high workload as a major issue.
- 65.4% pointed to a small number of staff per unit.
- Additionally, 42.3% of patients revealed nurses often complained about low wages, despite 51.2% acknowledging they received motivation through stipends.
Towards Better Healthcare Outcomes
These findings underscore that while nurses generally exhibit positive attitudes, crucial systemic improvements are needed. The study strongly recommends that hospital management implement:
- Workload Management Tools: Including shift rotation plans, break policies, and task delegation strategies to ease the burden on nurses.
- Recognition and Reward Systems: To boost morale and acknowledge exceptional care.
- Patient Feedback Mechanisms: To continually assess satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
This research, spearheaded by Harry Fon Mbacham, Blessing Anjeck Mbah, Wilfred Chick Abanda, Belinda Fon Tengu, Hilaria Lah Pipa, Didimus Sefela Wirba, Vincent Njock Ntui, and Lucas Bami Agwe from Cornerstone University, provides invaluable insights for strengthening nursing practice and enhancing patient outcomes in the region.
We invite you to read the full article and delve deeper into these critical findings:
- Read the Full Article Here: Assessing Behaviors and Factors That Influence Patient Care by Nurses at the Buea Regional Hospital
This publication stands as a testament to the dedication and academic excellence of our students at Cornerstone University and Theological Seminary, Cameroon. We are incredibly proud of their contribution to public health knowledge.