More than 150 scientific research conducted at Royal Hospital to develop health care system in Oman

Muscat: The Royal Hospital, represented by the Scientific Research Department, attaches great importance to enhancing the culture of research and quality of publication. Scientific research is an essential pillar for developing the health care system in the Sultanate of Oman.

Dr. Hasina bint Ahmed Al Harthiya, a senior specialist physician and head of the Studies and Research Department at the Royal Hospital, said: The hospital, in addition to providing integrated quality health care, plays a pioneering role in the field of health research in the Sultanate of Oman and has achieved remarkable achievements in the current year, as the number of publications reached 150 scientific papers, which increased by 30 percent compared to the past five years.

She added that the current year witnessed a remarkable diversity in the fields of research in internal medicine, surgery, children and other specialties, and this diversity reflects the hospital’s commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality health care to all members of society.

She stated that despite the increase in the number of scientific publications in the world during the period of the Corona pandemic, the Royal Hospital maintained its research momentum even after the pandemic, and research related to Covid-19 now constitutes no more than 9 percent of the hospital’s total research.

She stressed that building the capabilities of our research cadres is a strategic priority, and this is evident through workshops conducted in cooperation with national and international experts, with a focus on the practical application of knowledge.

At the same time, we work to enhance the culture of knowledge sharing through continuous interaction with health workers, residents, and students. Across various institutions, noting that our commitment to the practice of evidence-based medicine is a fundamental pillar, demonstrated through initiatives such as the monthly journal clubs for the practice of evidence-based medicine.

She stated that the areas of cooperation play a vital role in the hospital’s research process, including the recommendations of the National Strategy for Scientific Research and Innovation, as enhancing cooperation with academic institutions has witnessed significant growth.

The average number of publications related to cooperation with academic institutions has increased from 3.0 percent to more than 7 percent recently. She pointed out that the “Confluence Zone” initiative was pivotal in enhancing cooperation for innovation in the field of health care, and the preparation for signing a memorandum of understanding with the University of Technology and Applied Sciences confirms our continued commitment to strengthening these partnerships. She explained that the research path is not devoid of challenges, the most prominent of which is: the lack of time allocated for research.

Accordingly, the various departments, such as the Nursing Department, took the initiative and succeeded in implementing proactive initiatives, such as the protected research time policy, to address these challenges and enhance research productivity, adding that among other challenges there is a lack of Research funding resources: During the coming period, we seek to strengthen partnerships with the private sector, similar to the academic sector.

Dr. Hasina bint Ahmed Al Harithiya, a senior specialist physician and head of the Studies and Research Department at the Royal Hospital, confirmed that the hospital seeks to move forward towards innovation, dissemination of knowledge, and effective contribution to improving health care in the Sultanate of Oman, so that we begin our next year with ambitious plans to enhance scientific research and leave a permanent mark on the world level.