Development of the global health sustainability model

• Background: Nurses, beginning with Florence Nightingale, have been at the forefront of global health initiatives as consultants, researchers, educators and direct service providers. Drawing from more than 10 years experience as a faculty mentor to students who travel to Latin America to provide health care and a longer term experience as nursing faculty in Africa, the presenter will share preliminary work on sustainability for global health interventions. This presentation explains the development of Global Health Sustainability Model.

• Methods: In depth interviews with thirteen nurse expects in global health nursing were conducted to identify concepts relevant to sustainability in global health nursing. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed to identify themes relevant to the development of the model. During early development the model was then critiqued by several other nurse leaders and global partners. Finally, an extensive cross disciplinary literature review confirmed the relevance of key components of the model.

• Results: This model focuses upon the sustainability of nursing involvement in global health ventures. Key components of the model include public health hallmarks such as community assessment, collaboration, partnership, and empowerment.

• Conclusions: The presence of these key elements can lead to successful collaboration and nursing interventions in international settings. This model helps form the critique of approaches that are often termed “band-aid” measures rather than sustainable solutions for the underserved in poorer countries.