UNMET NEEDS FOR INTENSIVE MEDICAL CARE IN TERTIARY HEALTH INSTITUTIONS: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE NIGERIAN SITUATION

  • JIDE MICHAEL AFOLAYAN Department of Anaesthesia, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
  • MICHAEL OLUMIDE GBALA 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
  • BABATOLA BAKARE Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
  • WAHEED ABAYOMI School of Anaesthesia Studies, Badagry/General Hospital, Badagry
  • AJAYI ADELEKE IBIJOLA Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
  • OLAWALE AYOBAMI ABAYOMI Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
  • GBENGA DAMILOLA AKINLUA Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Afe Babalola University Multisystem Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
  • BENEDICT TOLULOPE ADEYANJU Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Afe Babalola University Multisystem Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
  • TEMITOPE OLALEKAN JOLAYEMI Department of Family Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
  • BABATUNDE AJAYI OLOFINBIYI Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12253713
Keywords: Unmet needs, Intensive care units, Tertiary health institutions, Nigeria

Abstract

Intensive medical care, characterized by specialized treatment and close monitoring of critically ill patients, plays a crucial role in improving patient outcomes. This level of care is essential in managing severe health conditions, reducing mortality rates and enhancing recovery prospects. Despite the essential role of intensive care units (ICUs) in managing severe health conditions and improving patient outcomes, these facilities are hampered by numerous systemic issues in Nigeria.

The review highlights the importance of intensive care in managing life-threatening conditions such as severe infections and trauma. However, many Nigerian ICUs operate with outdated or malfunctioning equipment, and there is a critical deficit of intensivists and critical care nurses. Financial limitations further hinder the ability of hospitals to procure necessary medical supplies and maintain infrastructure.

The article also draws comparisons with international practices, noting that many high-income countries have robust ICU systems supported by substantial investments in medical technology and healthcare professional training. These comparisons offer valuable lessons for Nigeria, emphasizing the need for increased financial investment, enhanced training programs, and improved healthcare policies.

The review concludes by recommending comprehensive strategies to address these unmet needs. These include increasing the healthcare budget, implementing national health insurance schemes, upgrading hospital infrastructure, and developing standardized ICU protocols. By adopting these measures, Nigeria can enhance the quality and accessibility of intensive medical care, ultimately improving patient outcomes and strengthening the overall healthcare system.

 

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Published
2024-06-22
How to Cite
MICHAEL AFOLAYAN, J., OLUMIDE GBALA, M., BAKARE, B., ABAYOMI, W., ADELEKE IBIJOLA, A., AYOBAMI ABAYOMI, O., DAMILOLA AKINLUA, G., TOLULOPE ADEYANJU, B., OLALEKAN JOLAYEMI, T., & AJAYI OLOFINBIYI, B. (2024). UNMET NEEDS FOR INTENSIVE MEDICAL CARE IN TERTIARY HEALTH INSTITUTIONS: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE NIGERIAN SITUATION. GPH-International Journal of Biological & Medicine Science, 7(05), 20-30. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12253713
Issue
Vol 7 No 05 (2024): GPH-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL & MEDICINE SCIENCE
Section
Articles
Copyright (c) 2024 BABATUNDE AJAYI OLOFINBIYI

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