Sharjah24: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Emirates Health Services (EHS) have launched the "We Care" app at the Arab Health 2021, which takes at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 21 - 24 June.

"We Care" app aims to promote the physical and mental wellbeing of the nursing cadres. The application provides an array of features such as educational resources, health tips and chatting. The app also enables the nurses to track their health status, share their success stories, feedback and suggestions with the top management.

The innovative platform is built on a three-pillar approach, including facilitating the process of communication and direct contact with the nursing cadres in the field to raise and track complaints and suggestions and providing psychological and moral support and periodic monitoring of their health fitness, as well as discovering and developing talented persons to serve the public interest.

His Excellency Dr. Youssef Mohamed Al Serkal, Director-General of the Emirates Health Services, said: "The nursing profession is one of the most important and strategic professions in health care systems. Therefore, we are keen to provide the essential components to qualify the nursing cadres, provide them with support and assistance, and attract and retain qualified and specialized competencies."

This helps establish an integrated and world-class health system, embrace best international practices, and enhance the sustainability and contribution of the health system to the comprehensive development process adopted by our wise leadership under an integrated work strategy, he noted.

Supporting nursing cadres

Alserkal explained that the "We Care" app reflects the importance of utilizing digital applications in nursing care services. He added that the application is the result of experiences the nursing cadres have gone through since the Covid-19 pandemic and is a method to facilitating communication and access to the nursing cadres.

Al-Serkal noted that the state's wise leadership is proud of the sacrifices of the nursing cadres to protect the society, underlining that the UAE and its leadership pays special attention to the nursing profession.  

"The nursing profession has been significantly developed in the UAE, thanks to the launch of innovative and programs aimed at promoting the nursing profession and consolidating its status in the health sector, by focusing on the continuous training, the utilization of information technology and research, and the use of best innovation practices in nursing practices,"

Dr. Al-Serkal pointed to the importance of launching a special strategy for nurses and midwives, which is the “National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery -Roadmap for 2025”. He mentioned that the strategy aims to enhance the attractiveness and sustainability of the nursing profession enacting relevant organizational and professional policies and policies and providing all means of support to the nursing cadres who play a substantial role in realizing the health and wellbeing of the community members.    

Analytical insights

Dr. Sumaya Al Balushi, Chairman of the Supreme National Committee for Nursing Affairs, and Director of the Nursing Department, EHS, said: "We're talking about nursing, which is one of the noble professions that made a difference in our life, especially after the start of the pandemic. That's why we've launched this app to improve their health and wellbeing and their work environment as well.”

Al Balushi explained that the app is dedicated to the nursing cadres of Emirates Health Services, where they can share their suggestions, feedback, and the challenges they face through the live chat feature.

The app is also featuring a survey-based tool, through which the platform can identify the physical and mental health of the nursing cadres, and provides the needed support accordingly, while the live chat enables rapid access and direct contact with nursing leaders. It also provides a database and analytical insights on the indicators related to the quality of life, which enables nursing leaders to develop relevant initiatives and programs.