The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched "Nebras" initiative, an innovative program aimed at strengthening the expertise of nursing and midwifery professionals and encouraging them to engage in scientific researches that are in line with the national health priorities.
"Nebras: My Journey in the World of Nursing and Midwifery Research," as the initiative is themed, was launched in partnership with Pfizer. It comes as part of the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery (2022-2026).
The National Committee for Nursing and Midwifery, representing MoHAP, unveiled the initiative during a press conference attended by Dr. Sumaya Mohamed AlBlooshi, Head of the National Committee for Nursing and Midwifery – MoHAP in addition to several officials from MoHAP, health and academic authorities, and along with a variety of experts and specialists in the nursing and midwifery sector.
"Nebras" initiative is expected to significantly support the development of health and nursing policies and practices in the UAE. It will also highlight the ministry's commitment to empowering health professionals and prioritizing research in healthcare.
National Mentorship Program
The initiative features a national program that offers guidance in nursing and midwifery research. The program invites research experts in the nursing and midwifery field to apply as mentors where they will be selected based on well-defined criteria and scheduled to attend a three-day introductory workshop on the program's requirements and expectations.
Moreover, the program provides a platform for nurses and midwives across the UAE to submit their research ideas and apply as mentee. Ideas will be evaluated and selected afterwards. Accepted mentee will then be assigned to a mentor, and together they will create a tailored mentorship plan and establish a timeline for its execution, all within the framework of an integrated digital platform.
The program will conclude with a ceremony to honor the participants, showcase their achievements and disseminate the findings of their research studies. A comprehensive report will also be generated, encapsulating the initiative's activities, outcomes, and overall impact, thereby underlining the significant contribution of the Nebras initiative towards the progression of the fields of nursing and midwifery.
Scientific Research
Underscoring the importance of nursing and midwifery in the UAE's health system, Dr. Sumaya AlBlooshi said, "These two professions provide specialized and indispensable care for all community members, reflecting MoHAP’s commitment to leadership and the adoption of best practices to strengthen and sustain the health system. We are determined to establish a healthcare system that correspond to the mandates of the UAE's vision for the next fifty years."
AlBlooshi added that Nebras, which comes in implementation of the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery (2022-2026), focuses on fostering a culture of scientific research and evidence-based practice.
She added that Nebras is step forward in driving the completion of the priority research studies mandated by the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery. This initiative supports inform the national strategic plans and projects based of study findings and recommendations. Moreover, it is a testament to MoHAP’s commitment to promoting a culture of scientific research, which is key to enhance the status of Nursing and Midwifery profession within UAE community. This initiative also encourages young talent of both genders to consider those professions as career option and seek specialization in the nursing field afterward.
AlBlooshi added that the ministry will spare no effort to support the healthcare workforce not only by equipping them with the indispensable skills and tools necessary for excellence in their respective fields, but also by helping them achieve international leadership and take part in the development of scientific knowledge, standards and recommendations related to nursing and midwifery professions.
Reinforcing Governance
AlBlooshi noted that the National Nursing and Midwifery strategy (2022-2026), which was approved by the Cabinet in 2022, seeks to achieve several objectives, which include reinforcing the governance of the nursing and midwifery profession through the implementation of professional organizational policies and practices. Furthermore, the strategy aims to contribute significantly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as ensuring effective planning and management of the Nursing and Midwifery workforce. In addition, it promotes having nurses and midwives performing their duties in line with their education and experience, thus deliver healthcare services of the highest quality. Dr. AlBlooshi added that Nebras initiative is one step in the implementation of these strategic objectives.
Dr. Nadine Tracha, Pfizer Gulf Medical Director stated, "Nurses are the largest group of health care professionals and have an unparalleled contribution to clinical research and making a real difference to patients’ lives. Pfizer has a long heritage of supporting the development of health and nursing policies around the world and we are honored to partner with The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) to promote through Nebras the role of nurses in supporting health systems’ strengthening across the country. We are proud to advocate the crucial role of nurses and we look forward to contributing to the efforts of the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery by supporting novel strategies to strengthen the ecosystem of education, development, management and clinical practice at the healthcare level."
It is crucial to acknowledge that the national strategy for nursing and midwifery (2022-2026), includes five strategic pillars: effective regulation, governance and leadership, sustainable nursing and midwifery workforce management system, transformative practice, service and quality care, quality and innovative education and professional development and lastly advanced research, evidence-based practice responsive to national health priorities
In addition, the National Committee for Nursing and Midwifery has been established under the chairmanship of the Ministry of Health and Prevention. The committee is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the strategy at the national level. Its membership comprises key national partners, including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defense, Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), Emirates Health Services, Dubai Academic Healthcare Corporation (DAHC), Abu Dhabi Health Services Co. "SEHA", as well as private health authorities and academic institutions across the country.