Professor Veronica Dzomeku, Dean, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has urged nurses and midwives to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) for more effective healthcare delivery.
She emphasised the importance of specialized training in health informatics to help nurses and midwives efficiently manage and analyze health data, support telemedicine practices, and utilize AI for decision-making.
Prof. Dzomeku made these remarks at the 9th Annual General Meeting and 5th Seminar of the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives (GCNM) held in Gomoa Fetteh, Central Region.
She noted that with AI, nurses could predict outcomes and achieve positive results, urging them to be prepared to embrace technology to address and manage complex health challenges.
‘This not only improves patient care but also enhances the efficiency and accuracy of healthcare delivery,’ she stated, adding that AI systems would help nurses and midwives stay informed about the latest developments in global health issues.
Prof. Dzomeku highlighted the importance of the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwifery (GCNM), stating, ‘Nurses and midwives with expertise in specific disciplines can address the health needs of diverse populations, manage infectious disease outbreaks, and contribute to global health initiatives.
‘This specialisation also includes understanding and addressing the social determinants of health, which are crucial in reducing health disparities,’ she said.
Prof. Dzomeku stressed that specialising in maternal and child health was essential as global efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality persist.
She noted that midwives and nurses with advanced training in that area could deliver comprehensive prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal care, especially in underserved regions, thereby promoting equitable healthcare services. Dr Hafez Adam Taher, Acting Director of External Health Cooperation at the Technical Coordinating Department of the Ministry of Health (MOH), observed that the health landscape has evolved rapidly, influenced by factors such as technological advancements, demographic shifts, emerging health threats, and changes in healthcare policies.
Consequently, the roles of nurses and midwives are becoming increasingly complex and specialized.
Dr. Taher pledged the government’s commitment to continuously offer opportunities for nurses and midwives to pursue specialized training, higher degrees, and ongoing professional development.
‘Government will continue to explore avenues that promise to provide sponsorship for nurses and midwives who would be interested in remaining in-country and specialising in the improvement of the healthcare system.
Dr. Taher encouraged specialist nurses and midwives to become proficient in using digital tools, telehealth platforms, and electronic health records to enhance efficiency, improve patient care, and facilitate better communication within the healthcare team.
He expressed gratitude to the GCNM for their steadfast support and dedication to the profession and congratulated all graduates and inductees for their hard work and commitment to delivering quality healthcare services.
Mrs. Hannah Acquah, Rector GCNM, called for students’ support in their respective educational programmes to better prepare them for the future.
She highlighted the significance of pursuing education in specialized areas abroad to help educate underprivileged nurses and midwives.
Source: Ghana News Agency