Karachi: The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) hosted its inaugural Surgical Nursing Conference, uniting national and international nursing leaders, surgeons, healthcare professionals, educators, and researchers to discuss advancements in surgical nursing. The event aimed to bolster its contribution to safe, high-quality surgical care.
According to the Aga Khan University, the conference was a collaborative effort by AKUH's Department of Surgery and Division of Nursing Services. It served as a venue for sharing clinical expertise, research, and emergent practices under the theme, "Advancing Surgical Nursing Practice Across the Continuum of Care: Quality, Safety, and Innovation." The focus was on promoting evidence-based practice, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, and supporting the professional development of surgical nurses.
The conference program included sessions on the state of surgical nursing in Pakistan, evidence-based practice, and the role of artificial intelligence and digital health in perioperative care. Attendees also participated in oral research presentations, poster presentations, a multidisciplinary panel discussion on continuity of care, and a debate on the impact of AI on surgical nursing.
Dr. Farhat Abbas, CEO of AKUH Health System, emphasized the vital role of nursing excellence in delivering quality surgical care, stating, "At AKUH, we recognise that skilled and knowledgeable nurses are central to safe, high-quality surgical care. Supporting their professional development and strengthening nursing practice are essential to improving patient care and outcomes."
Ms. Khairunnissa Hooda, Chief Nursing Officer at AKUH, highlighted the evolution of surgical nursing as a specialty, noting that it requires nurses to develop advanced skills alongside advances in surgical care. She remarked on the critical role of surgical nurses as patient advocates and clinical leaders, stating that continued professional development is crucial to enhancing their contribution to patient-centered care.
Dr. Saleem Islam, Chair of the Department of Surgery at AKUH, underscored the impact of skilled surgical nurses on patient outcomes and the importance of sharing clinical practices across institutions. He noted, "Our surgical outcomes compare favourably with those of US hospitals in the ACS NSQIP database. The exceptional nursing care our patients receive is an important part of that achievement, with highly skilled nurses integral to our team-based approach."
The conference represented a significant step towards reinforcing the recognition and professional development of surgical nursing in Pakistan, while emphasizing the role of skilled nursing teams in promoting safer surgical care and improved patient outcomes.