Abstract
Background: Nurses and midwives play a vital role in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (WHO, 2025). Strengthening regulatory systems is crucial to produce competent nurses and midwives, maintain professional and public confidence (WHO, 2021). The Nursing and Midwifery Council (N&MC) of Ghana sought to strengthen its regulatory framework by introducing revalidation and improve its Management Information System (MIS). Recognising reflective practice in nursing, the Council incorporated it into pre-registration curricula (N&MC Ghana, 2021a & N&MC Ghana 2021b). To address gaps in post-registration practice, a 12-month project was launched to strengthen licensing regulation and prepare for the implementation of nursing revalidation in early 2026.
Purpose: To strengthen the N&MC’s regulatory capacity and explore stakeholders’ perceptions on implementing nursing and midwifery revalidation in Ghana.
Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed; data were collected using online surveys and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). A total of 188 nursing and midwifery practitioners and educators received training to strengthen their knowledge on revalidation and to assess the training’s effectiveness. Fifteen participated in semi-structured interviews to share their views on implementing revalidation in Ghana. Data were analysed using descriptive and thematic approaches
Results: 175 participants responded to the survey, 81% demonstrated confidence to deliver step-down training. Furthermore, 96% demonstrated improved knowledge and skills on revalidation and to be satisfied with the training provided.
Interviews with practitioners and educators produced six key themes 1. Awareness and understanding, 2. Attitudes and acceptability, 3. Perceived implementation challenges 4. Process integrity, fairness and Trust, 5. Sensitisation, training, and stakeholder mobilisation, and 6. Perceived benefits for improved professional practice.
Conclusion: The N&MC Ghana’s capacity was strengthened by enhancing practitioners’ and educators’ knowledge and skills to implement revalidation. Awareness, positive attitudes, active engagement, acceptance, trust, and clear professional benefits are essential for successful implementation of nursing and midwifery revalidation.
Notes
Funding Support: Global Health Partnerships (Formerly THET)
References:
Creswell, JW and Creswell, JD (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
N&MC Ghana (2021a). Curriculum for the Registered General Nursing (RGN) Programme. Nursing and Midwifery Council Ghana and Ministry of Health Republic of Ghana.
N&MC Ghana (2021b). Curriculum for the Registered Midwifery (RM) programme. Nursing and Midwifery Council Ghana and Ministry of Health Republic of Ghana.
WHO (2021). Global strategic directions for nursing and midwifery 2021-2025. Available on https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/11723bae-3fd4-46f0-a4ea-9dc8fd153667/content. Accessed in Nov 2025.
WHO (2025). Nursing and Midwifery: Key Facts. Available on https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/nursing-and-midwifery. Accessed in Oct 2025.
Sigma Membership
Phi Mu
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Mixed/Multi Method Research
Keywords:
Workforce, Global Leadership, Nursing, Midwifery, Nursing Laws, Health Policy, Ghana
Recommended Citation
Simkhada, Bibha; Woolley, Philomina; Akrong, Ransford; Simkhada, Padam; Adjei, Charles; Oklodu-Abbey, Ampem Darko; Jones, Susan; Duodu, Osei Agyei; Addai, Dennis Ekow; Parajuli, Manish; Neupane, Hari Krishna; and Duodu, Precious Adade, "From Relicensing to Revalidation: Strengthening Nursing and Midwifery Regulation in Ghana" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 178.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/presentations_2026/178
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-08-20
From Relicensing to Revalidation: Strengthening Nursing and Midwifery Regulation in Ghana
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Background: Nurses and midwives play a vital role in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (WHO, 2025). Strengthening regulatory systems is crucial to produce competent nurses and midwives, maintain professional and public confidence (WHO, 2021). The Nursing and Midwifery Council (N&MC) of Ghana sought to strengthen its regulatory framework by introducing revalidation and improve its Management Information System (MIS). Recognising reflective practice in nursing, the Council incorporated it into pre-registration curricula (N&MC Ghana, 2021a & N&MC Ghana 2021b). To address gaps in post-registration practice, a 12-month project was launched to strengthen licensing regulation and prepare for the implementation of nursing revalidation in early 2026.
Purpose: To strengthen the N&MC’s regulatory capacity and explore stakeholders’ perceptions on implementing nursing and midwifery revalidation in Ghana.
Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed; data were collected using online surveys and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). A total of 188 nursing and midwifery practitioners and educators received training to strengthen their knowledge on revalidation and to assess the training’s effectiveness. Fifteen participated in semi-structured interviews to share their views on implementing revalidation in Ghana. Data were analysed using descriptive and thematic approaches
Results: 175 participants responded to the survey, 81% demonstrated confidence to deliver step-down training. Furthermore, 96% demonstrated improved knowledge and skills on revalidation and to be satisfied with the training provided.
Interviews with practitioners and educators produced six key themes 1. Awareness and understanding, 2. Attitudes and acceptability, 3. Perceived implementation challenges 4. Process integrity, fairness and Trust, 5. Sensitisation, training, and stakeholder mobilisation, and 6. Perceived benefits for improved professional practice.
Conclusion: The N&MC Ghana’s capacity was strengthened by enhancing practitioners’ and educators’ knowledge and skills to implement revalidation. Awareness, positive attitudes, active engagement, acceptance, trust, and clear professional benefits are essential for successful implementation of nursing and midwifery revalidation.