Abu Dhabi Releases Healthcare Workforce Bioethics Guidelines To Standardize Ethical Practices

Abu Dhabi's Department of Health (DoH) has released new Healthcare Workforce Bioethics Guidelines to ensure standardized ethical practices for the healthcare sector in the emirate.

Bioethics, made using best practices and expert advice, is the study and practice of ethical implications and applications in the fields of health and technology, including those arising from advances in biology, medicine, and health sciences.

The new guidelines tackle the complex ethical issues that arise as the healthcare sector grows and evolves. These instructions have been created based on feedback from over 120 global bioethics experts and consultations with both local and international specialists.

Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Under-Secretary of the DoH, noted that Abu Dhabi's healthcare sector "continues to grow at an exponential rate spearheaded by innovation," adding that the ethical standards must reflect the dynamics of the market while considering the cultural values of the community," WAM reported.

"The Healthcare Workforce Bioethics Guidelines address the ethical implications of technological advancements in healthcare, providing a framework for the responsible adoption of innovations such as artificial intelligence, genomics, and personalized medicine," she added.

This is important for maintaining the healthcare system while using advanced technologies to improve patient care and results. The guidelines also help the sector to be ready for unusual events, making sure it can handle emergencies and crises effectively while sticking to high ethical standards.

Talking about the new guidelines, Dr. Rashed Obaid Al Suwaidi, the Executive Director of the Healthcare Workforce Planning Sector at DoH, said the establishment of a national guideline for bioethics is more relevant now than ever as the healthcare sector in the UAE continues to attract top talent from around the world.

"By establishing a uniform set of ethical standards, the guidelines ensure that healthcare professionals across the emirate adhere to the highest ethical principles, fostering trust and confidence among patients and the community," he said.

"By raising awareness of patient rights and promoting ethical practices, the guidelines contribute to a more informed and engaged community, empowering individuals to make better healthcare decisions and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability," he added.

The guidelines cover important ethical issues in healthcare such as the community's well-being, women's health, mental healthcare, organ donation and transplant, medical tourism, clinical research, and innovative medicine.

Publishing these guidelines is a major step in Abu Dhabi's goal to become a leading global healthcare center. The guidelines underscore the emirate's dedication to high ethical standards, innovation, and teamwork, strengthening its role as a top player in the global healthcare field.