Fellowship Programme for Nurses and Midwives: Action Plan for Quality Care Delivery in Ghana

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME FOR NURSES AND MIDWIVES:  ACTION PLAN FOR QUALITY CARE DELIVERY IN GHANA

Presenters:

1. Dr. Mary Opare:  Central University, Accra-Ghana
2. Dr. Jemima Dennis-Antwi, President; Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives
3.  Ms. Hannah Oparebea Acquah, Rector: Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives ,  Accra-Ghana
4. Prof. Faustina Oware-Gyekye,  Professor: Mancrest University , Accra
5. Dr. Diana Odum, Ghana Health Service
6. Dr. Gertrude Sika Avotri , Ghana Health Service
7. Mrs May Osae-Addae, Central University , Accra-Ghana
8. Mrs Ruth Gyan Western Hill Nursing School, Accra
9. Mrs Abigail Kyei, Pentecost University, Accra

The Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, established by an Act of Parliament in 2011 (ACT 833, Part Three), with a goal to developing cutting edge nurses and midwives for the country in varied specialized fields of nursing and midwifery. Rolling out of programmes started in 2015 with eight specialty programmes being; Accident and Emergency, Paediatrics, Palliative Care, Oncology, Women’s Health, Neonatal Intensive Care, Neuroscience and Haematology. This article reports the planning and implementation processes involved in the establishment of the programme and successes so far. It will also describe challenges in its first year journey and strategies for improvement.

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FORMS FILLING

• Abstract title

FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME FOR NURSES AND MIDWIVES: THE BEGINNING OF ACTION PLAN FOR QUALITY CARE DELIVERY IN GHANA

• Abstract theme

Bringing new players on board in the development of nursing and midwifery Professions.

 

• Abstract Track

  Quality care, human rights, policies and legislation

•  Names of the Author(s), Institution and Country

• Dr. Mary Opare : Central University, Accra-Ghana
• Dr. Jemima Dennis-Antwi: President, Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives
•  Ms. Hannah Oparebea Acquah: Rector, Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives , Accra-Ghana
• Prof. Faustina Oware-Gyekye:  Professor, Mancrest University , Accra
• Dr. Diana Odum: Ghana Health Service
• Dr. Gertrude Sika Avotri : Ghana Health Service
• Mrs May Osae-Addae: Central University , Accra-Ghana
• Mrs Ruth Gyan: Western Hill Nursing School, Accra
• Mrs Kyei: Pentecost University, Accra Abigail

 

 

• Preference for presentation style (oral, poster or workshop); the final decision will be made by the abstract review and selection committee.

ORAL

• The aim(s) of the project/research

To produce cutting-edge nurses and midwives with specialist competencies who are motivated in leading and developing the future of nursing and midwifery as specialist Nurses and Midwives in Ghana, Africa and beyond

Problem statement: what is the problem / gap addressed by the project/research

The Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives seek to promote Specialist education, continuous Professional development and Postgraduate nursing, midwifery and related programmes and also contribute to the formulation of policies to improve health care. The College aims to build upon foundations set and strengthen competencies through Academics, Clinical care, Sense of professionalism, Research, Leadership and Management drive.

Specialty programmes are designed to be highly practical oriented with 30% academic work and 70% Practicals. Courses are modular and self-driven with the support of accredited training sites of the college.

 

• Methodology

30% Competency-based teaching and learning approaches using a robust curriculum developed through assessment of needs and global/regional best practices coupled with 70% clinical practicum is employed over a period of 3years fulltime education.

• Results

Ongoing: Residents successfully received exposure into 2nd block of academic programme. Residents are showing signs of leadership and drive to care.  Clinical practicum to be implemented in May to assess level of competence after the first academic year.

Conclusions

Specialist training through Fellowship professional Colleges creates opportunities for professional nurses and midwives to develop themselves into high level clinicians and academicians through mentoring and competency-based teaching and learning.

• Lessons learned

Fellowship specialist programmes must be backed by strong political will and institutional commitment to drive a concept into a reality

In developing a new programme, access to fully committed faculty could be challenging

• Recommendations for research

Assessment of impact of care by specialist nurses and midwives and implications for continuing academic development

• Recommendations for practice.

In order to develop strong specialists in nursing and midwifery, competency based approach to teaching and clinically focused curriculum are critical for success.