The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #59201

Carolyn H Mason, MS, RN¹, Melvin Cohen, PhD², and Marilyn C. Anderson, MSN, RN¹. (1) Department of Nursing, Miami University, 1602 Peck Blvd., Hamilton, OH 45011-3399, 513-829-1065, masonch@muohio.edu, (2) Department of Political Science, Miami University, 4200 East University Blvd., Middletown, OH 45042

Partnership is a public health nursing core professional value. Teaching nurses competency in interpreting effects of economic and political environment on global health and human diversity is not easily done in mid America. This paper will describe the rewards and challenges developing an international community health educational partnership. This partnership includes a three-week educational course, international nursing leadership visits, and faculty exchanges. Over a four year period, faculty of political science and nursing from Miami University, Ohio, worked together to establish a collaborative relationship with The Gambian health care system. Two other nursing departments from area universities and a local hospital supported the program sponsoring three nurses in the international course. This healthcare educational partnership is designed to serve and benefit both The Gambia as well as the United States. Contacts with the Chief Nurse and strong collegial relationships with nursing leaders in The Gambia have provided multiple opportunities to access various health care agencies. Excellent contacts between the university and various agencies have been established as the course has evolved. Participants in this partnership, from both countries, are both teachers and learners. The focus is on the enhancement of healthcare for both countries. Understanding cultural diversity, politics and economics are foundational elements in this community partnership. This community partnership is an evolving and on going exchange of cultures and ideas and can be a model for other universities and health cares institutions.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session participants will: 1. Recognize the steps necessary in establishing an international health educational program.
• Identify both the challenges and rewards in a collaborative international educational partnership. 3. Analyze factors that impact the future development of an international health care educational program.

Keywords: International Health, Partnerships

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.