The Orthopaedic Symposium 2023, recently organized by the Centre for Nursing Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiTM Puncak Alam Campus and the Malaysian Orthopaedic Nurses Association (MONA), appears to have been a successful initiative in fostering discussion and collaboration among healthcare professionals in Malaysia. The chosen theme, “Integrated Orthopaedic Patients’ Care,” indicates a commitment to holistic and comprehensive care for orthopaedic patients, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes and experiences. The participation of 157 attendees from across the country is a significant indication of the strong interest and engagement of the healthcare community. This first joint event was held in Lecture Hall 2, FSK 7, Puncak Alam Campus, UiTM Selangor.
It’s indeed an honour to have Mr. Saadon Ibrahim, Chief of National Orthopaedic Services at the Ministry of Health Malaysia, officiating the symposium alongside Assoc. Prof. Sr. Dr. Rosmadi Ghazali, Deputy Rector (I-CARE) at UiTM Selangor. Mr. Saadon’s expertise and leadership in the field of orthopaedic services indeed play a pivotal role in enhancing the value and success of the symposium. His extensive knowledge and experience allow for the effective addressing of critical issues and advancements within the orthopaedic field. During the opening ceremony, Mr. Saadon, as the distinguished guest, delivered a notable plenary address aligned with the symposium’s theme. He emphasized three crucial keywords: communication, teamwork, and commitment. These focal points underscore the need to advance orthopaedic patient care through an integrated and holistic approach, acknowledging the interconnectedness of these elements in delivering comprehensive care to patients.
The two-day symposium was a fruitful event, bringing together experts from various fields related to orthopaedic surgery, nursing, occupational therapy, dietetics, and rehabilitative medicine. The interdisciplinary nature of the symposium allowed for a rich exchange of insights, knowledge, and perspectives. Each discipline provided a unique vantage point, shedding light on different facets of care, treatment approaches, research advancements, and best practices for orthopaedic patients. This diversity in perspectives encouraged collaborative thinking and potentially generated innovative ideas to enhance patient care. The symposium also featured the poster presentation of fifteen research papers by nursing academics and professionals, with the top three papers receiving awards in recognition for exceptional research and the contribution to the nursing community.
Organizing a successful symposium that receives praise from delegates is a significant accomplishment. Establishing a strong foundation for future cooperation with MONA and planning it as an annual event is our step forward. It’s important to build upon this success and work towards making future events even more successful and beneficial for all involved.