The event brought together nursing professionals and experts to exchange knowledge and strengthen healthcare systems for the expanding elderly population.
The Nursing Division of the Queen Sirikit Heart Centre of the Northeast, Khon Kaen University (KKU), organised its 5th Academic Conference under the theme “Gerontological Nursing: Driving a Quality Ageing Society”. The conference aimed to enhance professional knowledge, facilitate the exchange of clinical experiences, and prepare the nursing workforce to efficiently respond to the demographic shift towards an ageing society.
The conference was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Pattarapong Makarawate, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Director of the Queen Sirikit Heart Centre of the Northeast. The seminar featured distinguished guest speakers who shared comprehensive insights into various dimensions of elderly care. The session commenced with a presentation titled “The Ageing Society and Contemporary Nursing” by Ms Benjamas Saensaeng, Head of the Nursing Division at the Queen Sirikit Heart Centre of the Northeast, who highlighted the critical responsibilities of nurses in managing the steadily increasing elderly population.
Further sessions addressed critical challenges and proactive care strategies. Assoc. Prof. Somarhop Banharak, Ph.D., delivered a lecture on “Challenges in Gerontological Nursing”, followed by “Preparing for Active Ageing” by Assoc. Prof. Wasana Ruaisungnoen, Ph.D., both from the Faculty of Nursing at Khon Kaen University. Their presentations offered valuable perspectives and guidelines for elder preparedness at both the individual level and within the broader healthcare delivery system.
Additionally, the academic programme featured a lecture on “Care for Elderly Patients with Emergencies and Chronic Illnesses” by Prof. Panita Limpawattana, M.D., from the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. Another presentation on “The Role of Nurses in Continuous Care for the Elderly” was delivered by Ms Khanittha Bunkaew, a registered nurse from Huataphan Hospital in Amnat Charoen Province. These sessions contributed to a holistic understanding of elderly care, encompassing health promotion, medical treatment, and integrated continuous care within communities.
This academic conference served as a vital institutional platform for knowledge exchange among nursing professionals and multidisciplinary experts. The collaborative efforts and insights gained from this event are expected to drive the development of service quality and elevate healthcare standards for older adults, directly aligning with Thailand’s transition into a complete ageing society.
