Muscat: The College of Nursing at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), represented by the Adult Health and Critical Care Department, successfully organized the 3rd Nursing Informatics Forum 2025 under the theme “From Academic Innovation to Clinical Implementation.” The forum was held under the esteemed patronage of the Dean of the College of Nursing, Dr. Huda Al-Noumani, and was generously supported by Oman Liquefied Natural Gas (Oman LNG), reflecting a strong partnership between academia and industry in advancing healthcare innovation.
The forum forms part of the College’s strategic commitment to promoting digital transformation in healthcare and empowering nursing students with future-ready competencies. It aimed to showcase innovative technological projects developed by nursing students as part of the Nursing Informatics course, highlighting how academic knowledge can be translated into practical, real-world healthcare solutions. The event aligns closely with Oman Vision 2040, particularly its focus on digital innovation, knowledge-based economy, and sustainable healthcare systems.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Nasser Al Salmi, the head of the adult health and critical care department, emphasized the critical role of nursing informatics in modern healthcare delivery, noting that digital health technologies are no longer optional but essential tools for improving patient safety, care quality, efficiency, and decision-making. He commended the students for their creativity and encouraged continued collaboration between educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and industry partners.
The forum featured a series of student presentations showcasing innovative digital health solutions designed to address current clinical and community health challenges. These included applications related to patient education, chronic disease management, clinical decision support, health data management, and workflow optimization. Each project demonstrated how informatics principles can enhance nursing practice and contribute to better patient outcomes.
Projects were evaluated by a distinguished panel of academic experts and healthcare specialists based on innovation, feasibility, clinical relevance, and sustainability. In addition, forum attendees participated in a live voting process, fostering engagement and giving the wider audience a role in recognizing impactful ideas. This dual evaluation approach ensured both expert judgment and community perspectives were reflected in the final outcomes.
Alongside the presentations, the forum hosted an interactive exhibition where students displayed their projects and engaged directly with academics, clinicians, innovators, and entrepreneurs. The exhibition provided an important platform for dialogue, feedback, and potential collaboration, further strengthening the link between education and practice.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony honoring the most outstanding projects. The winning teams received development support from Oman LNG, aimed at facilitating further refinement and potential implementation of their innovations in real clinical or community settings. This support underscores the importance of sustainability and long-term impact beyond the academic environment.
Overall, the 3rd Nursing Informatics Forum reaffirmed Sultan Qaboos University’s leadership in nursing education and digital health innovation, highlighting the vital role of nurses in shaping the future of smart, patient-centered healthcare in Oman.
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