The DoH has released Healthcare Workforce Bioethics Guidelines to improve healthcare quality in Abu Dhabi.

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, has published comprehensive Healthcare Workforce Bioethics Guidelines as a pioneering step towards ensuring standardized ethical practices in Abu Dhabi’s dynamic healthcare sector.

Built on best practices and in consultation with subject matter experts, bioethics is the study and practice of ethical implications and applications related to health and technology, including those emerging from advances in biology, medicine, and health-related sciences.

The new set of guidelines was developed in line with findings from a series of workshops with more than 120 global experts and leaders in bioethics and in consultation with local and international experts. The development of the guidelines aims to strengthen compliance with existing bioethical laws and is a testament to DoH’s unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare quality while positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in healthcare ethics and innovation.

Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Under-Secretary of the DoH, said, “Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector continues to grow at an exponential rate spearheaded by innovation. Our ethical standards must therefore reflect the dynamics of the market while considering the cultural values of the community we serve. 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. This is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the healthcare system while embracing cutting-edge technologies that enhance patient care and outcomes. Moreover, the guidelines enhance preparedness for atypical events, ensuring that the diverse healthcare sector is better equipped to handle emergencies and crises effectively while adhering to rigorous ethical standards.”

The guidelines were developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and Sharjah Health Authority (SHA) and are recognized as a national reference for ethical considerations. Building on the existing Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Health Professionals issued by MoHAP in 2017, The Healthcare Workforce Bioethics Guidelines aim to raise the profile of the local healthcare sector on a global scale in line with national efforts to transition to a knowledge-based economy.

Also commenting on the newly published guidelines, Dr. Rashed Obaid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of 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. 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.”

The guidelines address key areas with ethical considerations in the healthcare sector, including but not limited to responsibilities towards the community's well-being, women’s health, mental healthcare, organ donation and transplant, medical tourism, clinical research, and innovative medicine. The publication of the Healthcare Workforce Bioethics Guidelines is a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi's journey towards becoming a global healthcare hub. It underscores the emirate's commitment to ethical excellence, innovation, and collaboration, solidifying its position as a leader in the global healthcare landscape.