The Special Adviser to governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi has declared that nurses cannot do without Artificial Intelligence, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in this present period.
Ogunyemi made this declaration while speaking as a Guest Speaker at 2nd Annual Scientific conference and
Award Ceremony of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society.
The conference themed “Advancing Healthcare Frontiers: Embracing Technology for Innovative and Transformative Nursing Education and Practice” was held at the University of Ibadan ok Wednesday.
It was attended by the Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi, Head of Service in the state, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Oluwaserimi Adewumi Ajetunmobi and Dean, Faculty of Nursing, University of Ibadan, Professor Prisca Olabisi Adejumo.
Ogunyemi while addressing the gathering, advised nurses in the country to prepare for the future.
She noted that nurses in Nigeria need to embrace and use ICT tools and AI in order to meet the demands of the profession in this contemporary era.
She also advised them to consider ethical issues while discharging their duties.
Ogunyemi also charged academic institutions and lecturers teaching nursing courses to prepare students for the future challenges.
“We have challenges, economic challenges, but despite the economic realities we have to ensure that we development of nursing continues.
“COVID 19 pandemic has brought a lot of changes, it has brought more realities to the nursing profession; teaching and practice.
“In essence, technology is very relevant in nursing profession, we must embrace technology and Artificial Intelligence. We also need to prepare the students to face the contemporary challenges. We all use phones, there are so many apps on the phone, we need to embrace them. It does not mean that we will not do what we needed to do.
“What we need to do is to be innovative, embrace virtual learning. We need technology in whatever we do. We also need to consider ethical issues in the profession. Ethical consideration is important”.
Adejumo in her welcome address, noted that the conference will be an opportunity for participants to share ideas and knowledge.
“This conference is an invaluable opportunity for us to share cutting-edge research, give room for professional development, build lasting collaborations that will enhance patient care worldwide while promoting our goals of recognizing superior achievements, recognizing the development of leadership qualities, fostering high professional standards in improving the health of the world’s people, encouraging creative work, strengthening commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession, providing support, including funding, to other organizations and assisting in the engagement of any other activities which are permitted to be carried on by other organizations”.