A keen focus on Case Hospital.
By Teopista Nantongo (BSN, USRN): Nursing manager at Case Hospital
Nurses in the private healthcare sector in Uganda, when empowered in disease prevention and health promotion, have made a significant impact on the country’s economy. Through their proactive role in promoting health and preventing diseases, these empowered nurses have contributed to economic growth and development. A study by Uganda Healthcare Federation (2019) highlighted that preventive interventions led by nurses in the private sector have resulted in reduced healthcare costs, increased productivity, and improved overall economic outcomes.
This year, as we commemorate World Nurses’ Day with the theme of, “Our Nurses, Our Future”, we take a look at how Case Hospital has implemented several initiatives to support the theme.
Firstly, the hospital emphasizes continuous professional development by offering various training programs and workshops for nurses. These programs focus on enhancing their knowledge, skills, and expertise, ensuring they stay updated with the latest advancements in healthcare.
This was evidenced by the hospital enrolling nearly 20 nurses into the Ministry of Health critical care course, as a commitment to bettering critical care services. The need for advanced critical care was evidenced during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many critically ill requiring respiratory support and ventilation in the ICU. Case Hospital was at the forefront even then, having been certified by the Ministry of Health as a COVID-19 treatment centre.
Additionally, the hospital actively promotes a culture of research and evidence-based practice among nurses. Through research symposiums and collaborations with academic institutions, nurses are encouraged to contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge and practice. In 2022, the hospital published a research paper in Hindawi, a journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases, titled, “Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 at Case Hospital, Uganda”. Nurses were at the forefront of this publication, and were co-authors (Apiyo.M et al, 2022).
Case Hospital also places a strong emphasis on mentorship and leadership development for nurses. The hospital’s leadership team provides guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for nurses to take on leadership roles, enabling them to contribute effectively to the future of nursing in Uganda. The hospital’s nursing management is comprised entirely of nurses who were mentored internally and promoted into the roles. There is no more significant measure of commitment to nurses’ growth than this!
Furthermore, the hospital actively promotes community engagement and health promotion. Nurses from Case Hospital participate in community outreach programs, health education campaigns, and preventive care initiatives, aiming to improve the health and well-being of the community they serve. The hospital has severally offered free breast and cervical cancer screening services, as well as free Hepatitis B screening and vaccination to the general public, in a bid to prevent or promote early detection of the associated diseases.
By investing in its nurses, the hospital recognizes their pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare in Uganda and demonstrates its dedication to their growth and success. By effectively engaging with patients, communities, and healthcare organizations, these empowered nurses have played a crucial role in minimizing the burden of diseases, which is enhancing workforce productivity, and fostering a healthier population. Their efforts have not only improved health outcomes but also generated positive economic ripple effects, ultimately contributing to Uganda’s economic advancement.
In conclusion, the empowerment of nurses in Uganda’s private healthcare sector, with Case Hospital as a shining example, has proven to be a catalyst for positive change. By recognizing the pivotal role of nurses in shaping the future of healthcare, investing in their growth, and fostering their engagement with patients and communities, Uganda’s economy has benefited greatly.
References:
Uganda Healthcare Federation. (2019). Role of Private Health Sector in Improving Health Outcomes and Achieving UHC in Uganda.
Apiyo,M., Olum, R., Kabuye, A., Khainza, B., Amate, A., Byabashaija, V., Nomujuni, D., Sebbaale, K., Kazibwe, S., Sharma, G., Davidson, L. & Bongomin, F. (2022). Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 at Case Hospital, Uganda. Hindawi Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases, Volume 2022, 11.