Explain 6 current trends affecting nursing in Zambia
1) Increasing demand for healthcare services: The population of Zambia is growing rapidly, leading to an increased demand for healthcare services. This places a higher workload on nurses, requiring them to manage more patients and provide a wider range of care.
2) A shortage of skilled nurses: Despite the increasing demand for healthcare services, Zambia is facing a shortage of skilled nurses. Many nurses choose to migrate to other countries in search of better job opportunities and higher salaries, resulting in a lower nurse-to-patient ratio and increased workload for the remaining nurses.
3) Technological advancements: The healthcare sector in Zambia is adopting various technological advancements, such as electronic medical records, telehealth services, and mobile health applications. Nurses need to adapt to these new technologies and acquire the necessary skills to utilize them effectively in their practice.
4) Changing healthcare policies: The Zambian government has been implementing various healthcare reforms, including the introduction of national health insurance schemes and the decentralization of healthcare services. Nurses need to stay updated with these changing policies and adapt their practice accordingly.
5) Increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases: Like many other countries, Zambia is experiencing a rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Nurses need to acquire specialized knowledge and skills to effectively manage and treat these conditions.
6) Emphasis on community-based healthcare: There is a growing emphasis on community-based healthcare in Zambia as a means to improve access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas. Nurses play a crucial role in providing primary healthcare services, health education, and preventive care to these communities. This trend requires nurses to develop community health skills and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care.