Role and knowledge of nurses in the management of non-communicable diseases in Africa: A scoping review.

<h4>Background</h4>31.4 million people in low- and middle-income countries die from chronic diseases annually, particularly in Africa. To address this, strategies such as task-shifting from doctors to nurses have been proposed and have been endorsed by the World Health Organization as a...

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Main Authors: Jean Toniolo, Edgard Brice Ngoungou, Pierre-Marie Preux, Pascale Beloni
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2024-01-01
Series:PLoS ONE
Online Access:https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0297165&type=printable
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author Jean Toniolo
Edgard Brice Ngoungou
Pierre-Marie Preux
Pascale Beloni
author_facet Jean Toniolo
Edgard Brice Ngoungou
Pierre-Marie Preux
Pascale Beloni
author_sort Jean Toniolo
collection DOAJ
description <h4>Background</h4>31.4 million people in low- and middle-income countries die from chronic diseases annually, particularly in Africa. To address this, strategies such as task-shifting from doctors to nurses have been proposed and have been endorsed by the World Health Organization as a potential solution; however, no comprehensive review exists describing the extent of nurse-led chronic disease management in Africa.<h4>Aims</h4>This study aimed to provide a thorough description of the current roles of nurses in managing chronic diseases in Africa, identify their levels of knowledge, the challenges, and gaps they encounter in this endeavor.<h4>Methods</h4>We performed a scoping review following the key points of the Cochrane Handbook, and two researchers independently realized each step. Searches were conducted using five databases: MEDLINE, PyscINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Embase, between October 2021 and April 2023. A descriptive analysis of the included studies was conducted, and the quality of the studies was assessed using the Downs and Black Scale.<h4>Results</h4>Our scoping review included 111 studies from 20 African countries, with South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana being the most represented. Findings from the included studies revealed varying levels of knowledge. Nurses were found to be actively involved in managing common chronic diseases from diagnosis to treatment. Facilitating factors included comprehensive training, close supervision by physicians, utilization of decision trees, and mentorship. However, several barriers were identified, such as a shortage of nurses, lack of essential materials, and inadequate initial training.<h4>Conclusion</h4>There is significant potential for nurses to enhance the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases in Africa. Achieving this requires a combination of rigorous training and effective supervision, supported by robust policies. To address varying levels of knowledge, tailored training programs should be devised. Further research is warranted to establish the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on population health outcomes.
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spelling doaj-art-596d5cf0e87f41aab885a713b51a4a7e2025-02-05T05:32:28ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032024-01-01194e029716510.1371/journal.pone.0297165Role and knowledge of nurses in the management of non-communicable diseases in Africa: A scoping review.Jean TonioloEdgard Brice NgoungouPierre-Marie PreuxPascale Beloni<h4>Background</h4>31.4 million people in low- and middle-income countries die from chronic diseases annually, particularly in Africa. To address this, strategies such as task-shifting from doctors to nurses have been proposed and have been endorsed by the World Health Organization as a potential solution; however, no comprehensive review exists describing the extent of nurse-led chronic disease management in Africa.<h4>Aims</h4>This study aimed to provide a thorough description of the current roles of nurses in managing chronic diseases in Africa, identify their levels of knowledge, the challenges, and gaps they encounter in this endeavor.<h4>Methods</h4>We performed a scoping review following the key points of the Cochrane Handbook, and two researchers independently realized each step. Searches were conducted using five databases: MEDLINE, PyscINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Embase, between October 2021 and April 2023. A descriptive analysis of the included studies was conducted, and the quality of the studies was assessed using the Downs and Black Scale.<h4>Results</h4>Our scoping review included 111 studies from 20 African countries, with South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana being the most represented. Findings from the included studies revealed varying levels of knowledge. Nurses were found to be actively involved in managing common chronic diseases from diagnosis to treatment. Facilitating factors included comprehensive training, close supervision by physicians, utilization of decision trees, and mentorship. However, several barriers were identified, such as a shortage of nurses, lack of essential materials, and inadequate initial training.<h4>Conclusion</h4>There is significant potential for nurses to enhance the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases in Africa. Achieving this requires a combination of rigorous training and effective supervision, supported by robust policies. To address varying levels of knowledge, tailored training programs should be devised. Further research is warranted to establish the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions on population health outcomes.https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0297165&type=printable
spellingShingle Jean Toniolo
Edgard Brice Ngoungou
Pierre-Marie Preux
Pascale Beloni
Role and knowledge of nurses in the management of non-communicable diseases in Africa: A scoping review.
PLoS ONE
title Role and knowledge of nurses in the management of non-communicable diseases in Africa: A scoping review.
title_full Role and knowledge of nurses in the management of non-communicable diseases in Africa: A scoping review.
title_fullStr Role and knowledge of nurses in the management of non-communicable diseases in Africa: A scoping review.
title_full_unstemmed Role and knowledge of nurses in the management of non-communicable diseases in Africa: A scoping review.
title_short Role and knowledge of nurses in the management of non-communicable diseases in Africa: A scoping review.
title_sort role and knowledge of nurses in the management of non communicable diseases in africa a scoping review
url https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0297165&type=printable
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