The decision by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) to regulate the practice of home nursing services is a welcome move as more and more people are seen using these services in recent times, especially among the elderly. This is mainly due to the increase in the average age of the populace, more focus on wellness, growing standards of living and the introduction of new medical concepts in society.
Qatar has always adopted very high standards in healthcare and all the medical institutions in the country are testimony to the high benchmark the country sets for itself in healthcare and wellbeing. The medical centres in the country are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and have the most advanced medical technologies.
Having proper regulations, standard procedures and protocols are as important as having the latest equipment and technology. The latest decision to regulate the practice of home nursing services by introducing the job title of home nurse and launching its registration and licensing standards, which are in accordance with the policies and regulations applicable in many countries of the world, and nursing regulatory institutions, including the American Nurses Association, is a step in the right direction and will benefit both the nursing staff and the people who employ them.
Qatar already provides many homecare services for the elderly including home visits by a team of multi-disciplinary professionals including doctors, nurses, and patient care assistants. These home visits enhance and improve the quality of life of elderly patients. The home nurses will facilitate the home services further as they can follow up on the instructions of the treating physicians of the patient and manage the treatment plan set by them while complying with all laws, policies and directives issued by the concerned authorities.
According to MoPH, the health sector in Qatar has recently witnessed an increase in the demand for home nursing services because of the increase in the average age of the country’s population in addition to the focus on wellness indicators in the Qatari society and the introduction of new concepts such as long-term care and home care.
These facilities are of utmost importance especially in the case of elderly patients as they don’t need to travel out of their home for care and having a professional at home enhances the medical attention patient receives. Another important factor is that this will also provide psychological support to the patient as interaction with a trained health practitioner will bring positivity and hope to the daily routine.
