BARRIERS, CHALLENGES AND COPING STRATEGIES IN DELIVERING NURSING CARE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT LIAQUAT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL HYDERABAD/ JAMSHORO

Abstract

Background: Nurses play a fundamental role in ensuring safe and effective healthcare delivery. However, they frequently encounter numerous workplace barriers and challenges that adversely affect their professional performance, psychological well-being, and quality of patient care. These barriers include excessive workload, staff shortages, inadequate resources, interpersonal conflicts, emotional exhaustion, lack of administrative support, and occupational stress. In developing countries such as Pakistan, these issues are more prominent because of limited healthcare resources and increasing patient burden. Understanding these barriers and the coping strategies adopted by nurses is essential for developing interventions that improve healthcare quality and workforce satisfaction.

Objective: To assess the barriers and challenges faced by nurses in delivering nursing care at Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad/Jamshoro and to explore the coping strategies they use in managing occupational stress.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study was designed among registered nurses working at Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad/Jamshoro. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising demographic information, the Nursing Stress Scale, and the Brief COPE Inventory. The questionnaire measures stress related to patient care, workload, conflict with supervisors, inadequate preparation, uncertainty in treatment, discrimination, and coping mechanisms. The instrument includes demographic items, a Nursing Stress Scale section and a Brief COPE Inventory section.

Expected Significance: The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding workplace barriers affecting nursing care and highlight effective coping strategies that can guide hospital administrators in improving nurses' working conditions, psychological well-being, and quality of patient care.