'Research is the last thing on our minds, we are in crisis': Experiences of Lagos state nurses towards research and scholarly endeavours.

AIM: To explore the experiences of Nigerian nurses in research and scholarly endeavours. DESIGN: Descriptive phenomenological qualitative study design. METHOD: In-depth interviews were conducted among 30 nurses until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed using the thematic analysis method, and consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines (COREQ) were adhered to in reporting this study. RESULTS: Three themes emerged: (1) challenges of nurses with research; (2) the state of nursing research in Lagos state; (3) strategies to improve the state of nursing research in Lagos state. Some challenges nurses in Lagos State encounter with research include heavy workload and nursing shortage due to brain drain, faulty research foundation, lack of continuing education in research and the stressful nature of conducting research in Lagos. CONCLUSION: As research is essential in addressing healthcare challenges, policymakers are encouraged to employ more nurses to reduce the workload and provide time for research activities. Training and continuing education in research can be incorporated into professional development programmes. Lagos State will benefit from nursing research units in the hospitals, and a coordinating centre for the units should be provided with adequate funding. Support could be obtained from the Institute of Nursing Research Nigeria in establishing these structures. Hospital management should embrace and welcome research output from nurses and ensure such results are implemented to improve patients' care. Nurses who excel in research might be recognised with awards and other incentives to inspire their peers.

Caregivers' perception of the quality of nursing care in child health care services of the University College Hospital, Nigeria.

The health care system has increasingly emphasized consumers' satisfaction in developing models of health care quality. Among health professionals, nurses spend more time with patients, hence, the measure of consumers' perception of quality nursing care is crucial. Children are vulnerable and unable to effectively express their views; hence, their caregivers often serve as their decision makers.This study aimed to assess caregivers' perception of the quality of nursing care in child health care services. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a stratified sampling technique to recruit 308 caregivers attending Immunization and Child welfare clinics of University College Hospital, Nigeria. Participants were surveyed using an adapted version of the Patient Satisfaction with Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire (PSNCQQ) which was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at a 0.05 level of significance. A large percentage of the caregivers were female (86.9%)."Concern and caring by the nurses", "recognition of carers' needs", "coordination of care" and "privacy" were perceived to be fair (50.2%, 54.9%, 56.3%, 57%) while "clarity about instructions given", "helpfulness", "skill and competence" were perceived to be good (61.7%, 56.3%, 63.8%).The age, occupation, and marital status of the caregivers had a significant association with their perception of nursing care (p<0.05). The attitudes of nurses regarding concern, caring and privacy were perceived to be fair as compared with the skill and competence of nurses which were perceived to be good. Although caregivers had an overall average perception of quality of nursing care, more efforts should be geared towards improving on areas that were fair, like care and concern, courtesy, friendliness, and kindness, which are central to nursing as a caring profession. Good interpersonal relationships and acknowledgment of caregivers as decision-makers in health care which were perceived to be inadequate in this study are key factors that drive a good perception of quality nursing care. Nurses must continue to provide inclusive quality care where caregivers are seen as significant contributors to health care.