Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), through the School of Nursing and the Center for Academic Services, orgasied the professional training programme “NP NEXT GEN: Practice Updates for Navigating Health Challenges through AI and Innovation.” Delivered in a hybrid format via Zoom and on-site at MFU from 9–13 February 2026, the programme represents a strategic step in reshaping primary healthcare capacity in Thailand.
Developed in response to rapid digital transformation in healthcare, the programme focused on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and innovation into clinical practice, with particular emphasis on Pediatric Primary Care, aligning with the global shift toward Precision Medicine. Beyond clinical proficiency, the curriculum addressed the critical intersection of healthcare and law through the framework "Red Flags in the Red Ocean," enabling practitioners to deliver care independently and safely within established legal boundaries.
The closing phase centered on two pressing global health priorities: the management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and healthcare delivery within an aging society. These outcomes highlight MFU’s pivotal role in cultivating a high-performance nursing workforce prepared to address long-term structural challenges in contemporary health systems.
During the final sessions, participants engaged in focused knowledge exchange on using innovation and digital technology for elderly care, chronic disease management, and health crisis response—areas that increasingly define the expanded role of nurse practitioners. These competencies support the design of patient-centered, sustainable care models that ease the burden on tertiary hospitals while expanding access to quality services at the primary care level.
The programme’s impact extends beyond individual skill acquisition; it fosters a generation of “Change Agents” ready to implement policy-driven solutions in their communities. Through this initiative, MFU has demonstrated institutional leadership in aligning healthcare education with national and international health priorities, ensuring Thailand’s nursing professionals are prepared to operate effectively amid demographic change and evolving care demands.
"NP NEXT GEN" marks not an endpoint, but the beginning of an expanded professional network of next-generation nurse practitioners. This network is expected to play a critical role in supporting Thailand’s health security and aligning national nursing standards with global practice, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable healthcare system.
By supporting Lifelong professional Learning, the programme addresses the need for re-skilling and upskilling among frontline healthcare providers, especially those serving community-based and primary care settings. These efforts contribute to reducing disparities in healthcare access and improving population health outcomes in a sustainable manner.
