MakCHS Nursing Students Urged to get More Engaged in Research

Makerere University College of Health Sciences nursing students held their first ever research dissemination event recently. The event which is the first of its kind, was hailed by all speakers as an innovation that was long overdue. During the two day event students presented results of their research work and critiqued each other, fostering learning and strengthening skills.
The theme of the dissemination workshop was ‘The Role of Nursing Research in Improvong Patient’s care Outcomes: Translating Research into Practice’. The workshop was held at the College in the Davies Lecture Theatre.

Speaking at the dissemination workshop, the Registrar, Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council, Mr. John Wakida has said that research is a tool for professional development which has been missing in the nursing profession. He emphasised that the notion of research among nurses has not yet gained much appreciation.  “There are many questions that need to be answered in nursing. For instance, how much knowledge has been documented about nursing? What is the role of nurses and when do they come to play it? Nurses should be on the lookout for interventions and these can be got through research”, Mr. Wakida said.

Mr. Wakida added that nurses should be able to use research evidence to advice government on policy and strategies on how to address national health priorities.
He also reported that the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council has designed an e-learning program to help people based outside Kampala in their pursuit of professional development.  
The Executive Secretary, Uganda Nurses and Midwives Examinations Board, Mrs. Hellen Mukakalisa noted that many times nurses do conduct research but it is kept away on shelves to gather dust. She said a lot of that research is good and should be followed up. “To be appreciated, officials involved in issues related to that research should be invited so that they can follow up that research”.

She recommended that stakeholders and partners open up a well-facilitated research dissemination unit whose sole duty it would be to follow up critical topics as covered in the research. “We cannot improve unless research is done and disseminated to relevant players and end users”, she noted.

The Acting Chair Department of Nursing at the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Rose Nabirye Chalo, emphasised the need for research to help improve the quality of care provided by nurses. She however hastened to add that one of the challenges that need urgent attention is funding for students’ research. 

The dissemination workshop was supported by Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Office of the Principal and the Office of the Dean School of Health Sciences.