CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study
The nursing care plan is a cornerstone of patient-centered healthcare, ensuring that individualized, comprehensive, and evidence-based care is delivered effectively. Globally, the nursing care plan plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of care by serving as a guide for nurses in implementing, monitoring, and evaluating patient care. In developed nations, the effective use of nursing care plans has been associated with improved patient outcomes, reduction in hospital stays, and increased patient satisfaction.

In Africa, particularly in low-resource settings like Cameroon, nursing care plans remain an essential tool but face significant implementation challenges. The Bamenda Regional Hospital, as one of the leading healthcare institutions in the North West Region of Cameroon, caters to diverse patient needs amid the socio-political and economic crises plaguing the region. Nurses at this hospital are tasked with providing holistic care in a setting characterized by resource constraints, understaffing, and an influx of patients due to the crisis.

Despite its potential, the nursing care plan is often underutilized in many healthcare settings in Cameroon, including the Bamenda Regional Hospital. Challenges such as lack of adequate training, time constraints, insufficient resources, and resistance to change hinder its effective implementation. This study aims to delve into these challenges to offer actionable insights that could improve the adoption and application of the nursing care plan in the Bamenda Regional Hospital.

1.2 Statement of the Problem
The nursing care plan is critical in ensuring that patients receive personalized and quality care. However, its application in the Bamenda Regional Hospital has been fraught with numerous challenges. Preliminary observations reveal that nurses face difficulties ranging from inadequate training on care plan development to a lack of resources to implement them effectively. The ongoing socio-political crisis in the region exacerbates these challenges, increasing workloads and placing additional stress on healthcare workers.

These challenges not only compromise the quality of care delivered to patients but also affect nurse satisfaction and professional development. If these barriers persist, the hospital risks increased patient dissatisfaction, longer recovery times, and potential legal ramifications due to compromised care. Understanding these challenges is essential for developing strategies to enhance the effective use of nursing care plans in the Bamenda Regional Hospital.

1.3 Research Objectives
1.3.1 Main Objective
To investigate the challenges faced by nurses in the application of the nursing care plan in the Bamenda Regional Hospital.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives
To examine the level of knowledge and training of nurses on the development and use of nursing care plans.
To identify resource-related challenges affecting the implementation of nursing care plans.
To assess the impact of the socio-political crisis on the application of nursing care plans.
To propose strategies to improve the adoption and effective use of nursing care plans in the Bamenda Regional Hospital.
1.4 Research Questions
What is the level of knowledge and training of nurses on nursing care plans in the Bamenda Regional Hospital?
What resource-related challenges hinder the effective implementation of nursing care plans?
How has the socio-political crisis impacted the application of nursing care plans?
What strategies can be employed to enhance the adoption and effective use of nursing care plans?
1.5 Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis (H₀): There are no significant challenges hindering the application of nursing care plans in the Bamenda Regional Hospital.
Alternative Hypothesis (H₁): There are significant challenges hindering the application of nursing care plans in the Bamenda Regional Hospital.

1.6 Significance of the Study
This study holds significant importance for several stakeholders:

Nursing Practitioners: It will provide insights into the barriers they face and offer practical recommendations to improve their practice.
Hospital Administrators: Findings will help in formulating policies and providing resources to enhance the implementation of nursing care plans.
Policymakers: The study will highlight systemic issues that need to be addressed at regional and national levels to improve healthcare delivery.
Researchers and Academics: The study contributes to the body of knowledge on nursing care practices in resource-constrained and crisis-affected settings.
Patients: By addressing the challenges in care plan application, the study indirectly benefits patients by promoting better care outcomes.