“Global regulation is essential to ensure public health, professional development and patient safety in a rapidly evolving reality. Regulatory systems must keep pace with new challenges and changes in the medical and nursing professions.” Thus Margrieta Langins, Nursing and midwifery advisor at the World health organization-Europe (WHO Europe), addressed the audience of experts gathered today in Rome at the international conference ‘Challenges and priorities of the nursing profession in Europe and in the world’ promoted by the Federation national nursing orders and professions (Fnopi) with the patronage of the Ministry of Health.
“Regulations are a crucial tool for improving the quality of care and patient safety – explains Langins – The ‘Time to Act’ report, published 2 years ago, has in fact highlighted the need to modernize regulations, avoiding them being too restrictive . This is particularly important for expanding the scope of practice for nurses in advanced roles, who may otherwise be limited in their contribution to health services. In a country like Italy, with a high level of education, we are optimistic about the possibility of developing advanced nursing practices, especially in the sectors of primary care”, also taking into account the aging population “and public health. This document is a valuable guide to underline the importance of implementing flexible regulatory systems, based on skills and adequate patient care”.
Another strategic report “is the ‘State of the world’s nursing’, 2020”. The document, “the largest collection of data on nursing and midwifery by the WHO, has led to the development of strategic guidelines for nursing and midwifery based on evidence, on reality – underlines the expert – Based on these data, the European region seems to be well positioned. There are advanced nursing roles in 21 countries but, digging deeper, you notice that these are not always nurses with a master’s degree. In some cases, professional courses are accredited, but do not reach the level needed. Interprofessional education is also well developed, but nurses are often not considered equals in healthcare teams.”
On working conditions, “the rules are well consolidated, with rules on minimum wages, social security and working hours – comments Langins – However, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted some challenges related to these conditions and has strengthened the need to improve them. In this context, government nursing leaders play a crucial role in advocating for the necessary changes.” On training “it is essential to verify that the curricula are adapted to the new realities – he lists – For continuous professional development, it is essential that the programs are aligned with the roles and responsibilities of nurses. The mobility of the global healthcare workforce is also another relevant issue, and regulation plays a crucial role in ensuring adequate working conditions for migrant nurses.”
Regarding “digital health, which is transforming the relationship between nurse and patient – explains Langins – it is essential that digital tools are reliable and of high quality, to avoid distorted results that compromise patient safety. The use of artificial intelligence in nursing documentation, for example, has the potential to reduce workload, but also raises concerns about nurses’ decision-making autonomy.” Finally, regarding working conditions, “the pandemic has brought to light the problem of burnout and mental health among nurses. Many projects have been initiated to address these issues, but there is still much to be done. The WHO – he concludes – is launching a global survey on mental health and working conditions, the results of which will be fundamental to improving the conditions of nurses”.
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