The Growing Landscape of Elder Care in Qatar and the Necessity of a Skilled Nursing Work Force

Abstract

The oil rich Arab Gulf country of Qatar is experiencing rapid growth and development both in infrastructure and over-all health of its residents. Though it has one of the youngest populations in the region, life expectancy in Qatar is increasing and the local population is aging. An increase in the population over the age of 65, particularly for those having pre-existing chronic health conditions, poses challenges in providing high quality healthcare. One of these challenges is in securing a nursing workforce knowledgeable about the special health needs of the aged, and skilled in providing their care within the cultural context of an Arab Muslim country. One strategy to address this challenge is to make a conscious shift in nursing education that highlights the need to equip student nurses with adequate knowledge and developed skills to care for the aging population of Qatar. Nurses who teach in this context must be prepared to deliver a curriculum that is evidence based and culturally sensitive to the norms and practices that are prevalent in the country. This article discusses the current population trends in Qatar, culture specific challenges to providing high quality aged care, and the subsequent necessity of educating a nursing workforce that is knowledgeable and skilled in geriatric care.