Implementing the nurse practitioner role in Oman: Implications for policymaking

Area of Science:

• Healthcare policy
• Nursing practice
• Primary healthcare

Background:

• Limited access to qualified healthcare providers in Oman impacts quality care.
• Nurse practitioners (NPs) can enhance healthcare safety and quality through advanced skills.
• NPs are well-positioned to address cultural and religious considerations in patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline Oman's national strategies for NP role implementation.
• To identify challenges, opportunities, and implications for NP policies in Oman.
• To share lessons learned from Oman's NP implementation experience.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Nursing and Midwifery Human Resources framework.
• Conducted situational analyses from 2004-2016 with WHO and Omani Ministry of Health.
• Employed focus groups, interviews, and field visits for monitoring and evaluation.

Main Results:

• NP role implementation in Oman encountered various challenges and opportunities.
• The project identified key lessons learned during the implementation process.
• Oman's experience provides insights into facilitating NP roles.

Conclusions:

• NP role implementation requires addressing sustainability, legal recognition, and professional regulation.
• Collaboration between national and global nursing leaders and policymakers is essential.
• Oman's experience offers valuable information for the Middle East and global nursing communities.