Doha conference focuses on role of tech in nursing

Senior nursing officials and representatives from various hospitals in Qatar and neighbouring GCC countries converged in Doha yesterday for the Second Conference for Gulf Technical Committee for Nursing.The two-day conference, on ‘Evolution of Technology and its Impact on Humane Nursing Care’, was attended by HE the Minister of Public Health Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari, Public Health director Sheikh Dr Mohamed al-Thani, Gulf Health Council general manager Sulaiman bin Salah al-Dukhail, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH).“The Conference highlights the reality that technology has become ever present in the nurse-patient relationship,” said Dr Nabila al-Meer, deputy chief, Continuing Care Group and MoPH Nursing Affairs who spoke at the opening of the conference.With innovations in technology becoming a global trend, she stressed that nurses should be knowledgeable about the advancements in technology to ensure best practice and improve patient outcomes since healthcare has become more technology-focused.Dr al-Meer, also the chairperson of the second GCC Nursing Conference Organising Committee, added the nurses must understand how technology is transforming the way nursing care is conceptualised and delivered in a holistic way.“As nurses, we must be prepared to face the challenges of using technology in our daily practice.One of the most significant challenges will be finding the balance between maximising the benefits of using technology without devaluing the human element of nursing care,” Dr al-Meer noted.The Conference also highlights topics that feature advancements in nursing technology and innovation and explore their effects on humane nursing care. It explores what progress has been made in integrating technology into the health service to assist nurses in the GCC states. “The Conference will also allow us to share the latest advancements in nursing technology in our respective health facilities,” Dr al-Meer noted.Several discussions, group presentations, and workshops will be held at the event, which concludes today.