ABSTRACT
This study investigates the perceived effects of unprofessional practices on patient outcomes in selected public health centers in Abeokuta South, Nigeria. Unprofessional practices among healthcare providers have been associated with negative impacts on patient care, including compromised safety, reduced treatment efficacy, and decreased patient satisfaction. Understanding these effects is crucial for improving the quality of healthcare delivery and patient experiences. Descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. The study sample consisted of healthcare providers and patients from selected public health centers in Abeokuta South. The survey instrument collected demographic information and measured healthcare providers' perceptions of unprofessional practices, while patients' perceptions of healthcare quality and satisfaction were assessed. Questionnaires were conducted to gain in-depth insights into the perceived effects of unprofessional practices on patient outcomes. Preliminary findings indicate that unprofessional practices, such as poor communication, disrespectful behavior, and inadequate attention to patients' needs, were reported by both healthcare providers and patients. These practices were associated with adverse patient outcomes, including medication errors, delayed diagnosis, and sub optimal treatment adherence. Furthermore, patients expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of care and diminished trust in healthcare providers due to unprofessional conduct. The study findings underscore the significance of addressing unprofessional practices in public health centers to enhance patient outcomes. Healthcare organizations should prioritize interventions aimed at promoting professionalism among healthcare providers, including training programs on effective communication, patient-centered care, and ethics. Furthermore, fostering a culture of accountability, respect, and patient engagement within healthcare settings is crucial. This research contributes to the existing literature by shedding light on the perceived effects of unprofessional practices on patient outcomes in Nigeria context. The study's findings can guide policymakers and healthcare administrators in developing strategies to improve the quality of care and patient experiences in public health centers. Future research should explore the long-term effects of interventions targeting unprofessional practices and evaluate their impact on patient outcomes and overall healthcare system performance.
Keywords: Perceived, Unprofessional, Public Health Centers, Abeokuta South
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Title Page
i
Declaration Page
ii
Certification iii
Dedication
iv
Acknowledgement vi
Table of Contents
vii
Abstract ix
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study 1
1.2 Statement of Problem 3
1.3 Objectives of the Study 3
1.4 Research Questions 4
1.5 Research Hypothesis
4
1.6 Significance of the Study 4
1.7 Scope of Study
5
1.8 Operational Definition of
Terms
5
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0
Introduction 7
2.1 Conceptual Review 7 - 22
2.2 Theoretical Review 22 - 26
2.3 Empirical Review 26 – 27
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
28
3.1 Research Design
28
3.2 Research Settings 28
3.3 Target Population
28
3.4 Determination of Sampling
Size 29
3.5 Sampling Technique
30
3.6 Research Instrument
30
3.7 Validity of Questionnaire
30
3.8 Reliability of Instrument
30
3.9 Data Analysis 31
3.9 Ethical Consideration
31
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULT AND
INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS
4.1
Introduction 32
4.1
Socio-Demographic characteristics of Study respondents 32
4.2
Nurse’s Perception on the Impact of Unprofessional Practices 34
4.3
Nurses’ attitude towards unprofessional practice 35
4.4
Perceived Impact of Unprofessional Practices on Patient Outcome 38
4.5
Answering the research questions
39 - 41
4.6
Test of Research Hypotheses
41 - 42
CHAPTER FIVE: Discussion of Findings
5.1 Introduction
43 - 44
5.2 Summary
44 - 45
5.3 Conclusion
45
5.4 Recommendation
45
5.5 Implication of Findings
45 - 46
5.6 Limitation of Study 46
- 47
REFERENCES 48 - 54
APPENDIX
55 - 56
CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background
to the Study
Unprofessional
practices encompass a wide range of behaviors and actions that deviate from the
ethical and moral standards expected within the medical field. Unprofessional
practices in healthcare can be defined as behaviors or actions that deviate
from accepted standards of professionalism, ethics, or clinical practice. (Viskić, J, 2022). These practices include lack of
empathy, poor communication, negligence, disrespect, and disregard for patient
autonomy. The implications of these behaviors go beyond the immediate
interaction, potentially influencing patients' physical, emotional, and
psychological well-being. We delve into the realm of unprofessional practices
within the healthcare industry and aim to uncover how such practices are
perceived by both patients and professionals, and how they ultimately influence
patient outcomes.
In healthcare settings, the goal of
healthcare professionals is to promote health by ensuring the well-being and
aid recovery of their patients and clients. Healthcare foundation is built on
professional conduct and adherence to ethical standards and commitment to
profession and patients safety. However, unprofessional practices and behaviors
have been found and identified despite the dedication and best intentions of
health care professionals which have been reported hazardous to patients'
safety and patient's outcome. The issue of unprofessional practices in health
demands attention, health workers work in a stressful environment and the
activities and demand required in the profession can result is lapses in
professional behavior, Factors like high workload, inadequate training, staff
shortage, hierarchical structures may contribute to unprofessional behavior
among healthcare workers.
Patients' perceptions of their
healthcare experience significantly influence their overall satisfaction and
compliance with treatment plans. When faced with unprofessional conduct,
patients may experience feelings of distrust, fear, and frustration. These
negative emotions can hinder effective communication, lead to non-adherence to
treatment regimens, and result in delayed or inadequate medical care. (Vo, V., Auroy, 2019.). In the realm of healthcare,
the impact of healthcare professionals' behavior and practices on patients'
well-being is a matter of critical concern, unprofessional practices can act as
barriers to optimal patient care. Unprofessional practices do not only affect
patients, but also healthcare workers can experience negative consequences.
Engaging in unprofessional behavior can lead to tarnished reputations, strained
relationships with colleagues, and potential legal or regulatory repercussions.
Moreover, a toxic work environment marked by unprofessionalism can impact staff
morale and teamwork, potentially compromising the quality of care provided.
Health is seen
as one of the most important services provided by the government and
asignificant proportion of the nation’s wealth is usually devoted to health
particularly indeveloped countries. (Liu, Y. 2020).
Worldwide there has been growing public concern regarding the ethical conduct
of healthcare professionals. Despite
continuous efforts to improve patient safety, instances of unsafe practice are
prominent with high personal and professional costs for those involved.
Examples of unsafe practice have been reported in the media including
individual nurses practicing unsafely or failing to provide appropriate care.
(Martini, 2020). The issue of availability and accessibility of healthcare
services is a policy concern.
This is
especially true for those living in rural areas of developing countries, which
seem to have limited access to healthcare services. Also, access to healthcare
varies across countries, groups, and individuals, and largely influenced by
political, cultural, social, and institutional factors, demographic and
socioeconomic makeup. The delivery of modern healthcare services depends on
groups of trained professionals and paraprofessionals coming together as an
interdisciplinary team this includes professionals in medicine, psychology,
physiotherapy, nursing, dentistry, midwifery and allied health, plus many
others such as public health practitioners, community health workers and
assistive personnel, who systematically provide personal and population-based
preventive, curative and rehabilitative care services (Wikipedia, June, 24th
2018).
1.2
Statement of Problem
The Central
problem addressed in this study revolves around understanding the perceived
effects of these practices on patient outcomes practices among healthcare
providers which have potential significant impact on patient outcomes in
selected public health centers in Abeokuta South, Nigeria. There is existing
literature on medical error and patients' safety but there is need to delve
deeper into the experiences of healthcare professionals to gain insight into
this study.
1.3
Objectives of the Study
1. To Determine Nurses Perception of
unprofessional practice.
2. To Determine the Nurses Attitude
towards unprofessional practices on patient's outcome.
3. To Determine the Nurses Perception
on the impact of unprofessional practices on patient's outcome.
1.3 Research
Questions
1. What is Nurses Perception of
unprofessional practice?
2. What is Nurses Attitude of
unprofessional practice?
3. What is Nurses Perception on the
impact of unprofessional practice on patient outcome?
1.4 Research
Hypothesis
Null
Hypothesis: There is no significant association between unprofessional practice
and patient outcomes.
1.5
Significance of the Study
The
significance of this study lies in its exploration of the perceived effects of
unprofessional practices on patient outcomes in healthcare settings.
Unprofessional behaviors, such as communication breakdowns, lack of respect,
and breaches of professional ethics, can have far-reaching consequences on
patient care and safety. Understanding the significance of these effects is
crucial for healthcare providers, administrators, and policymakers in their
efforts to improve the quality of healthcare delivery and patient experiences.
The study's findings have practical implications for healthcare professionals
and organizations. By highlighting the importance of fostering a culture of
professionalism, the study emphasizes the need for ongoing professional
development, training, and support systems for healthcare professionals. The
findings can guide the development of educational programs and interventions
that promote positive communication, patient engagement, and adherence to
professional standards, ultimately improving patient outcomes and experiences.
The study findings can influence
the creation of organizational policies and practices that prioritize
professionalism and create a safe and respectful environment for both patients
and healthcare providers. It extends to the broader healthcare community and
society as a whole by shedding light on the negative consequences of
unprofessional practices, it raises awareness and underscores the need for
collective action for fostering a climate of professionalism that enhances
patient safety, satisfaction, and overall healthcare quality. The findings can
drive positive changes in healthcare by informing interventions, policies, and
practices aimed at promoting professionalism, improving patient experiences,
and ultimately enhancing the quality of care delivered to individuals and
communities.
1.6 Scope of Study
This study
intends to focus on the perspective of healthcare providers on the perceived
effect of unprofessional practices on patient's outcomes. The researches will
they conducted in selected public health centers in Abeokuta south local
government Ogun State Nigeria.
1.6
Operational Definition of Terms
Perceived: is to attain awareness or to understand.
Effect: a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other
cause
Unprofessional: below
or contrary to the standards expected in a particular profession.
Practice: refers to the act of performing an activity or skill
repeatedly to improve one's proficiency or competence in that area.
Patient Outcome: refers to the result or consequence
of a patient's medical condition and the interventions or treatments provided
to them. It encompasses various aspects of the patient's well-being and can be
measured in terms of their health status, quality of life, functional
abilities, and overall satisfaction with the healthcare received.
Click “DOWNLOAD NOW” below to get the complete Projects
FOR QUICK HELP CHAT WITH US NOW!
+(234) 0814 780 1594
Login To Comment