Mildred E. John

Clinical nurses' perception of continuing professional education as a tool for quality service delivery in public hospitals Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to determine the perception of nurses on various aspects of continuing professional education (CPE). A mixed method design (quantitative/qualitative) was adopted. A self-explanatory, semi-structured questionnaire was validated and used to collect data in addition to unstructured interview. One hundred and fifty nurses were selected through stratified random sampling from two hospitals in Calabar, Nigeria and served as participants. Participants generally perceived CPE as valuable and worthwhile and participated because it is mandatory and helps them to retain their jobs. The content of CPE were perceived to be more relevant for clinicians than for nurse educators; clinical skills and quantitative research methodology were adequately covered while evidence-based practice, attitudinal issues, nursing theories and patient safety were inadequately covered. CPE was perceived to be fragmented without gaining points, follow-up monitoring and evaluation after CPE which make it difficult to objectively assess the influence of CPE on quality of care. It is recommended that nurse leaders in Nigeria should develop online CPE modules for nursing, and allocate points to them so that participation may contribute to career progression. Effective monitoring and evaluation systems should be put in place to assess impact of CPE on staff competence and patient outcomes.

Post-partum practices among women in Calabar, Nigeria.

We carried out a study on post-partum practices amongst women in Calabar at the maternal and child health clinic at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital between 1March and 31 May 2002. Three hundred women were interviewed. One hundred and ninety-three (64.3%) resumed coitus prior to 6 weeks of puerperium. There was no significant difference in parity (P=0.20) and educational status (P=0.10) between women who resumed coitus earlier than 6 weeks and those who resumed later. One out of every 10women resumed coitus without any contraception. The majority [212 (70.7%)] sat in hot water (sitz bath) to aid perineal wound healing and improve vaginal tone.

Hysterectomies amongst teenagers in Calabar, Nigeria.

A 10-year retrospective study of hysterectomies performed on teenagers in Calabar was carried out.

Influence of antenatal education on birth preparedness and complication readiness among women of childbearing age in the rural communities of cross river state, Nigeria

Background: The study examined Nurses handover and its implication for nursing care in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar. Nurse handover is a report given when the nursing professional transfers the responsibility for the patients and what has been done in his/her shift to another that is arriving. Objectives: The following objectives guided the study; to examine the various aspects of nurse handover, identify the methods practiced in UCTH, Calabar; identify the factors influencing Nurses handover and examine its implications on patients’ care in the UCTH, Calabar. Also to test for a significant relationship between nurse handover and patients care in UCTH. Method: The study employed a descriptive survey design using a sample size of 85 respondent selected purposively. A well-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents after ascertaining the reliability of the instrument. Data collected was analysed using SPSS 21.0 statistical packages while the hypothesis was tested using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at 0.05 level of significance. The Nursing Need Theory developed by Virginia Henderson in 1966 directed the study. Results: Findings from the study revealed transfer of information from one shift to the other as an important aspect of nurse handover 71(83.5%) among others; report writing and bedside verbal handover as the methods of nurse handover very often practiced in the UCTH, Calabar 85(100%); Report content, attitude of the nurses, nurse experience, lateness to work, workload and stress, and interpersonal conflicts were identified as influences on nurse handover. The study further revealed that nurse handover enhances nurses and patients /family relationship, improves communication, nurse performance and clinical outcome. A significant positive relationship between nurse handover and patient care was also revealed. However, the study findings highlighted that bedside verbal handover restricts the sharing of vital information concerning patient condition. Conclusion: The study concluded that the nurse handover is a key moment for guaranteeing the continuity of care and the patients’ safety. Hence the study recommends the need for inclusion of nurse handover in the training curriculum of nursing students, regular updates among practicing nurses to enable them acquire special skills that will improve handover content and communication during handover process, among others.