Introduction
At the InnoHEALTH Conference 2024, Dr. Urmila Bhardwaj, a distinguished nursing and healthcare professional, shared her insights on the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, and community health nursing. In an engaging discussion with host Mercilina, Dr. Bhardwaj shed light on how these factors are reshaping the healthcare landscape.
Dr. Bhardwaj’s Journey: From Clinical Practice to Academia
Dr. Bhardwaj’s career trajectory is an inspiring story of dedication and growth. Beginning with a diploma in nursing, she pursued higher education while working, eventually obtaining her MSc in Community Health Nursing from PGI Chandigarh and a PhD. Over the years, she contributed immensely to academia, serving as a professor at Jamia Hamdard and later as the Dean of Nursing at Sharda University. Her expertise spans bedside nursing, research, and healthcare education.
Reflecting on her experiences, Dr. Bhardwaj credited Holy Family Hospital for instilling in her the fundamentals of patient care, Jamia Hamdard for nurturing her academic and research skills, and Sharda University for exposing her to the advancements in AI and technology-driven healthcare.
Artificial Intelligence: A Double-Edged Sword in Nursing
When asked about the role of AI in nursing, Dr. Bhardwaj acknowledged its tremendous potential in academics, particularly in enhancing learning and research. However, she expressed reservations about its clinical application, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of personalized care.
“Every patient is unique,” she noted. “AI functions based on standardized protocols, but human differences, emotions, and responses cannot be programmed.”
She highlighted the importance of human touch in nursing, explaining that even unconscious patients respond positively to physical touch, which has been scientifically proven to accelerate recovery. While AI can be a valuable tool for data management and diagnostics, it cannot substitute the compassion and individualized attention that nurses provide.
Sustainability in Healthcare: The Nurse’s Role
Sustainability has become a global priority, and Dr. Bhardwaj emphasized the significant role nurses play in fostering a sustainable healthcare ecosystem. Hospitals are high-energy consumption environments with significant waste production. Nurses, she suggested, should collaborate with biomedical engineers and healthcare professionals to implement eco-friendly solutions and reduce hospital pollution.
Beyond environmental sustainability, she also stressed financial sustainability. Sharing her research on tetanus vaccinations, she explained how cost-effective preventive care can save lives and reduce healthcare expenses. A simple, low-cost tetanus shot for expecting mothers can prevent neonatal tetanus, eliminating the need for costly medical interventions.
“Sustainability isn’t just about the environment,” she explained. “It’s about ensuring efficient resource utilization and promoting preventive healthcare.”
Community Health Nursing: A Transformative Force
Dr. Bhardwaj passionately spoke about the vital role of community health nurses in both rural and urban settings. Unlike hospital nurses, community health nurses have greater autonomy and the ability to directly influence public health.
“Community health is not limited to rural populations,” she emphasized. “Even urban elites can benefit from preventive healthcare measures.”
She highlighted the concept of primordial prevention—educating young individuals before unhealthy habits develop. For instance, informing school children about the dangers of smoking can prevent tobacco addiction before it even begins.
From prenatal care to elderly support, community health nurses work across all life stages, making them essential contributors to a healthier society.
A Message for Future Nurses
Concluding the discussion, Dr. Bhardwaj left listeners with an inspiring message:
“Serve with sincerity. See God in every individual. If nurses embrace spirituality—treating every patient with the same care and respect they would offer to the divine—the healthcare system will become a place of true compassion and healing.”
Final Thoughts
Dr. Urmila Bhardwaj’s insights provided valuable perspectives on the intersection of AI, sustainability, and community health nursing. While technological advancements continue to shape the future of healthcare, her emphasis on the human touch remains a crucial reminder of what truly defines nursing.
Composed by:
InnoHEALTH magazine digital team
