Nursing policy and practice in Mongolia: Issues and the way forward

Area of Science:

• Nursing Workforce Studies
• Health Policy Analysis
• Global Health Disparities

Background:

• Significant global inequality in nursing workforce availability exists, with low-income countries having far fewer nurses per capita than high-income nations.
• Mongolia experiences a severe nursing shortage (42.14 nurses per 10,000 people), jeopardizing patient safety and well-being.
• Existing challenges include lack of strategic planning, low professional status, absence of representation, and insufficient postgraduate training for nurses and midwives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a policy analysis of the nursing and midwifery professions in Mongolia.
• To develop contextually relevant recommendations for strengthening Mongolia's nursing science and practice systems.
• To address critical obstacles hindering the development of nursing and midwifery professions.

Main Methods:

• Policy analysis of the current nursing and midwifery landscape in Mongolia.
• Identification and examination of key obstacles affecting professional development.
• Formulation of evidence-based recommendations for system strengthening.

Main Results:

• Identified four primary obstacles: lack of strategic planning/regulation, low professional status, absence of professional representation, and insufficient postgraduate training.
• Highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes to improve nursing and midwifery care.
• Established the direct link between workforce shortages and patient safety concerns.

Conclusions:

• Establishing a Chief Nursing Office and a professional nursing and midwifery board is crucial.
• These bodies will develop and implement standards for best practice, education, and regulation.
• Strengthening the nursing and midwifery professions is essential for improving healthcare outcomes in Mongolia.