DOHA: The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) has expanded the scope of medical practice in Qatar by adding a new category nurse practitioners authorised to perform some of the duties of the doctors.
The move aims to fully utilise skills of qualified and experienced nurses and address the shortage of doctors in various fields, it is learnt. “Nurse practitioners are expert nurses who work within a specific area of practice incorporating advanced knowledge and skills. They practise independently and in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to promote health, prevent diseases and to diagnose, assess and manage people’s health needs,” said a circular issued by Qatar Council of Healthcare Practitioners (QCHP) at SCH. QCHP is responsible for licensing and monitoring healthcare practitioners in the public and private sectors.
“Nurse practitioners can perform some of the jobs of doctors such as diagnosing diseases and prescribing medicines in certain clinical settings. However, they have to fulfil specific educational and training requirements to apply for a licence. Mere seniority or experience as a nurse will not qualify them for the title,” a QCHP official told this daily yesterday.
According to the circular, nurse practitioners do a wide range of assessment and treatment interventions, including “differential diagnoses, ordering, conducting and interpreting diagnostic and laboratory tests and administering therapies for the management of potential or actual health needs.”
Nurse practitioners may prescribe medicines within their specific area of practice. They also work in leadership roles as consultants, patient advocates, educators, managers and researchers and actively participate in professional activities, and in local and national policy development.
They may assess, diagnose, treat, evaluate and manage or refer acute and chronic illnesses and diseases (eg diabetes, high blood pressure); Obtain medical histories and conduct physical examinations; Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic studies (eg routine lab tests, bone X- rays, EKGs); Prescribe physical therapy and other rehabilitation treatments; Provide prenatal care, family planning services and well child care, including screening and immunizations.
They may also provide primary and speciality care services and care for patients in acute and critical care settings. They can counsel and educate patients on health behaviours, self care skills, and treatment options. “Two of the greatest responsibilities of nurse practitioners are as a patient advocate and to refer the patient when necessary,” said the circular. To obtain a licence, the practitioner must meet all the requirements as a General Nurse Scope of Practice and successfully complete a clinically focused masters degree or doctoral program approved by the QCHP, or equivalent qualification. The applicant must also have minimum of four years of experience in a specific area of practice.
The Peninsula
