More than 200 nursing and midwifery leaders from across Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) gathered earlier this month for two master class sessions led by international nursing experts from Australia and New Zealand.
“Midwives and maternal nurses have a professional responsibility as advocates for women with mental illness. They are an important resource for women, their families and their babies during pregnancy, birth and postpartum,” said Prof Wendy Cross, head of School, Monash University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Prof Cross led a master class session which detailed research conducted in Australia between 2004 and 2015. The research found that many clinicians lacked the knowledge and confidence to assess perinatal women’s mental health and to manage the care of women who are pregnant, or planning to be pregnant, while taking anti-psychotic medication.
“Women with mental health problems have the same desire as other women to have a baby but often encounter a lack of support from clinicians,” added Prof Cross.
The master class was part of the semi-annual meeting of the International Nursing and Midwifery Advisory Board (INMAB) and consolidated the Corporate Nursing and Midwifery Department’s continued efforts to support nursing and midwifery leaders in improving patient outcomes.
Prof Ann-Marie Cannaby, chief nursing officer at HMC, said: “Master classes are part of a suite of ongoing professional development opportunities offered to help nurses and midwives meet the challenges of the evolving healthcare environment. The sessions provide a platform for international experts to engage with our nursing and midwifery leaders on the latest developments, research and best practices.”
INMAB, formed earlier this year, provides local and international perspective and offers strategic, professional and managerial advice on all aspects of nursing and midwifery care at HMC.
Dr Nabila al-Meer, INMAB board member and deputy chief, Continuing Care Group, Supreme Council of Health Nursing Affairs and chairperson of the Credentialing Committee at HMC, said the Board is an important resource for international best practice on topical issues such as nursing education, licensure and practice
requirements.