Uganda workshop 2024

Evidence-based decision-making workshop

for nursing and midwifery leaders and managers in Uganda

22 June 2024

Location: Forest Cottages, Bukoto Naguru, Uganda
Language: English
Target Audience: Nurses and Midwives in leadership and managerial roles in hospitals, research institutions, Training institutions, Ministry of Health, and Regulation
Event capacity: 62

Today many nurses and midwives in Africa are serving in leadership and managerial roles in health care, research, academia, regulation, and legislation. These roles often require one to participate in decision-making and policy development. Research findings are key in enabling evidence-based decision-making to happen. Research output in Africa has increased and thus there is a need to ensure that nurses and midwives in decision-making roles can utilize research findings but also appreciate the processes involved in evidence-based decision-making. Nurses and Midwives in Africa remain the biggest percentage of the health workforce. Being well positioned at the frontline of health care presents a unique opportunity to contribute to evidence-based decision-making and policy development. However, the majority of the nurses lack the skills in evidence-based decision-making and policy development which is key in enhancing health care service delivery in general.

To address this gap, this one-day workshop will be conducted to equip nursing and midwifery leaders with skills in evidence-based decision-making. GRN which focuses on advancing nurses and midwives' skills in research, and ARCH which focuses on applying research to policy and practice for health, will jointly collaborate to deliver this workshop.

Workshop aim and learning objectives:

This workshop will equip nurses and midwives in leadership and managerial roles in various sectors with evidence-based decision-making skills. The specific learning objectives include.

1. To Understand and define evidence-based decision-making and how research contributes to it. "> 
2. To appreciate the process of evidence-based decision-making and policy development."> 
3. To appreciate the challenges involved in evidence-based decision-making and policy implementation and how to address them. "> 
4. To practice the skills gained using case scenarios through break-out teams during the workshop."> 

Workshop Outcomes and Outputs

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. To be knowledgeable and find evidence-based decision-making and how research contributes to it.
1. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the concept of evidence-based decision-making and its significance in healthcare.
2. Participants will be able to define evidence-based decision-making and articulate how research contributes to informed decision-making processes.
2. To apply evidence-based decision-making and policy development.
1. Participants will gain insights into the steps involved in translating research findings into actionable policies that impact healthcare delivery.
3. To address the challenges involved in evidence-based decision-making and policy implementation.
1. Participants will identify and appreciate the challenges inherent in evidence-based decision-making and policy implementation.
2. Strategies to address these challenges will be explored, empowering participants to navigate obstacles effectively.
4. To independently apply all the knowledge gained through the breakout team and in their day-to-day after the workshop.
1. Through interactive breakout sessions, participants will have the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the workshop.
2. Case scenarios will be utilized to simulate real-world decision-making situations, allowing participants to practice evidence-based decision-making techniques in a supportive environment

Overall, the workshop will equip nurses and midwives with the necessary tools and insights to become effective leaders and managers in their respective fields, driving evidence-based practice and policy development in healthcare.

Summary

This was an in-person workshop held in Kampala Uganda at Forest Cottages. It was conducted by a policy expert from Makerere University School of Public Health to enable effective grounding of skills and knowledge to the participants. The workshop focused on skilling participants in evidence-based decision-making and the role of research, policies and how they are made, challenges faced, and how to be part of the decision-making process actively. The participants were nurses and midwives in leadership and managerial positions in training institutions, hospitals, the private sector, NGOs, and research institutions. The workshop also involved break-out groups using a case study to enable the application of the knowledge taught and create peer dialogue. This enabled the participants to appreciate the aspects of opposing the policy, supporting the policy, and resources required including research outcomes in policy formulation, while understanding what spaces to be part of in advancing decisions.

 Dr Aloysius Senyonjo , a health policy expert and senior lecturer  at the Dept of Health Policy Planning and Mgt at Makerere University School of Public Health delivering the training to the participants.

Workshop Participants in break-out groups discussing the different aspects of the case study 

Compiled by Faith Nawagi, GRN Africa Coordinator