TITLE:
Obstacles to the Quality and Continuity of Nursing Care for Patients Admitted to the Medical and Surgical Wards of Ebolowa Regional Hospital, Southern Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Raquel Perdy Mbom, André Izacar Gaël Bita, Maxence Aurel Nna, Miguelle Nogning Tanga, Bolivar Dekou Fobasso, Wulfried Tomi Tchana, Monique Amor Ndjabo
KEYWORDS:
Barriers to Care, Quality of Care, Continuity of Patient Care, Nursing Care, Health Workers
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.5,
May
19,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The quality and continuity of care are major concerns for healthcare facilities in many countries. The nursing service, positioned as the hub of care and the interface between the patients and the medical-administrative system, plays a pivotal role. This study aimed to identify the obstacles to the quality and continuity of nursing care for patients admitted to the medical and surgical wards of Ebolowa Regional Hospital (ERH) in Southern Cameroon. Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted at HRE, involving 10 healthcare workers (5 from medicine and 5 from surgery) and 10 hospitalized patients from July 3 to 30, 2024. The study participants were selected on a reasoned basis. Data were collected during individual interviews using a structured, pre-determined interview guide. M. Grawitz’s content analysis method guided each stage of data processing. Jean Watson’s “Caring” theory served as the theoretical framework for linking the empirical data to the concepts of person-centered care. Results: Twenty participants were included. Content analysis revealed obstacles in several domains. Human and relational: poor caregiver-patient relationships; unpleasant caregiver-caregiver relationships; lack of motivation among caregivers; and high workloads. Access to care: difficulty accessing care and insufficient human resources. Organisational: poor organisation of care; insufficient supervision; irregular continuing education; limited information, education, and communication for behavioral change sessions; and poor documentation within the structure. Material and economic: low monthly income and insufficient material resources. Conclusion: The quality and continuity of nursing care remain critical for patient safety and healthcare system effectiveness. However, various obstacles faced by patients and healthcare professionals compromise these goals. Integrating relational, organisational, and clinical strategies could contribute to overcoming these barriers, fostering more humane, effective, and sustainable care.