FACTORS INFLUENCING NURSES' CONFIDENCE AND EFFECTIVENESS IN POST-STROKE PATIENT EDUCATION AT ALLIED HOSPITAL FAISALABAD

Abstract

Background: Patient education reduces stroke recurrence and improves rehabilitation outcomes. Nurses are central to educating patients about risk factors, lifestyle modifications, and treatment adherence. However, several factors can affect their confidence and effectiveness in delivering this education. Understanding these factors is essential to enhance the quality of care provided.

Objectives: To identify the factors influencing nurses' confidence and effectiveness in educating stroke patients at Allied Hospital Faisalabad, focusing on professional experience, workload, departmental variations, and access to training.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among nurses working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Medical Wards, Neurology Units, and Outpatient Department at Allied Hospital Faisalabad. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed nurses' knowledge, experience, and perceived barriers to effective patient education. The data were analyzed using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics and regression analysis to identify key influencing factors.

Results The study results showed that 93.2% of nurses had good knowledge of stroke management, including awareness of risk factors, medical interventions, and patient education. Regarding specific areas, 90.4% of nurses were knowledgeable about stroke types, hemiplegia, risk factors, and interventions like oxygen supplementation and vital sign monitoring. However, 8.8% exhibited moderate knowledge, and 0.8% had poor knowledge. Notable gaps were identified in areas such as neurological assessments, seizure management, and feeding dysphagic patients. These findings emphasize the need for focused training to address these areas and enhance overall stroke care.

Conclusion The results show most nurses have good general knowledge of stroke management, particularly in risk factor identification, but gaps exist in specific interventions like neurological assessments and seizure management. Experience and education significantly influence knowledge, highlighting the need for targeted training and professional development.