Quality assurance (QA) in healthcare plays a critical role in enhancing patient outcomes and improving service delivery. This study examined the level of awareness and perceived importance of QA among registered nurses in public health facilities in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The study population comprised registered nurses working across tertiary, secondary, and primary healthcare facilities. A total of 60 nurses were selected using a stratified random sampling technique to ensure proportional representation across facility levels. The instrument used for data collection was a structured, researchers-developed questionnaire divided into four sections: demographic data, awareness of QA (5 items), perceived importance (5 items). Open-ended questions were used. The content and face validity of the questionnaire were reviewed by three healthcare quality experts. Pilot study was done. Reliability of the instrument was done by test-retest method yielding a Cronbach’s alpha score of 0.82,indicating high internal consistency. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation. The demographic characteristics of respondents reveal that majority of the respondents are female, (58.3%), within the ages of 30-39 (36.7%), have RN as the highest qualification (30%), with 5 to 10years of experience (40%) and did not receive training in QA(56.7%).This study shows that the level of quality assurance awareness among respondents is high (mean=3.1) and the perceived importance of quality assurance among respondents is very high (Mean =4.2).Further findings reveal that the key challenges and obstacles that hinder the effective implementation of quality assurance practices among registered nurses are Lack of Training and Capacity Building (mean=4.5), Staffing and Workload Issues (mean=4.1) and Communication and Supervision (mean=4.1). Respondents recommended QA workshops and active involvement in QA planning. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational and institutional strategies to enhance nurse engagement in quality assurance.
- ALIYU | SAKWA | MURTALA | tafidansakwa1@gmail.com | +2348036025974, ABUBAKAR | IBRAHIM | MARYAM | mairoauna123@gmail.com | +2348033249516, ABUBAKAR | ANKUWA | AHMED | ahmedankuwa26@gmail.com | +2348037041600
- Quality Assurance, Awareness, Perception, Nursing, Healthcare Quality
- EXPLORING THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS AND PERCEIVED IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY ASSURANCE 2
