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Schwarz B1, Mathunjwa T2, Mdziniso N3
1University of North Texas Health Science Center, Department of Physical Therapy, Fort Worth, United States, 2University of Swaziland, Department of General Nursing Science, Mbabane, Swaziland, 3Mbabane Government Hospital, Physiotherapy Department, Mbabane, Swaziland
Background: Part of the WCPT strategic plan is to have a global community of physical therapists where everyone feels connected and shares knowledge. Furthermore, the University of Swaziland (UNISWA) has, as one of its strategic objectives, the diversification of programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The World Health Organization stresses the importance of available, well-trained health workers equitable distributed and accessible to the population.
Research has shown that international partnerships can facilitate action on health challenges through programming, advocacy, and technical support. One way to facilitate new relationships among physical therapists and other healthcare practitioners is by leveraging the networks and affiliations between governmental and non-governmental organizations. Global networks of cooperation can unite organizations, both governmental and non-governmental, with similar aims to create evidence-based solutions and sustainability.
Purpose: The purposes of this presentation are to
· Describe the role of two not for profit organizations in facilitating introductions and partnerships between healthcare organizations in the Kingdom of Eswatini and the United States of America.
· Describe opportunities and the evolving relationship between the UNISWA, the Ministry of Health (Mbabane Government Hospital), and the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC).
Methods: In September of 2017, the Sister Cities of Fort Worth and the Rotary Clubs of Fort Worth and Mbabane undertook a project to provide wheelchairs to individuals residing in the city of Mbabane, as well as to train a workforce to service the wheelchairs. During this exchange, an opportunity was created for visits to the UNISWA and the Mbabane Government Hospital. The UNTHSC has an interest in international clinical experiences for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. The UNISWA envisage to be assisted by experts Physiotherapists from UNTHSC in developing the same program at the UNISWA, Faculty of Health Sciences. It is hoped that student and staff exchange with strengthen the Physiotherapy programs in both tertiary institutions. The Mbabane Government Hospital will serve as a setting for physiotherapy students' competency acquisition. Service provision to clients will be expanded.
Physiotherapists from the Mbabane Government Hospital are interested in skills sharing and international professional experience between them and UNTHSC. Shared research and advanced training would benefit the profession.
Results: An affiliation agreement for clinical contracts has been completed, with plans to begin clinical exchange in the spring of 2020. With the formal partnership, UNTHSC is able to offer online continuing education coursework as well as library privileges allowing remote access to electronic databases including e-journals and e-texts.
Conclusion(s): Through collaboration and sharing of resources between non-governmental organizations, healthcare organizations, and educational institutions, the goal of creating community between healthcare practitioners and enriching communities through education and exchange can be realized.
Implications: Partnerships, collaboration, and exchanges between developed and developing countries can result in a two-way flow of information and generate effective solutions for global health systems. International clinical experiences have been shown to provide learning opportunities that are beneficial to both their personal and professional growth. Inclusion of social organizations can be valuable in creating introductions, facilitating relationships, and in sustaining programming.
Keywords: education, collaboration, global partnership
Funding acknowledgements: No funding acknowledgements to be made.
Research has shown that international partnerships can facilitate action on health challenges through programming, advocacy, and technical support. One way to facilitate new relationships among physical therapists and other healthcare practitioners is by leveraging the networks and affiliations between governmental and non-governmental organizations. Global networks of cooperation can unite organizations, both governmental and non-governmental, with similar aims to create evidence-based solutions and sustainability.
Purpose: The purposes of this presentation are to
· Describe the role of two not for profit organizations in facilitating introductions and partnerships between healthcare organizations in the Kingdom of Eswatini and the United States of America.
· Describe opportunities and the evolving relationship between the UNISWA, the Ministry of Health (Mbabane Government Hospital), and the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC).
Methods: In September of 2017, the Sister Cities of Fort Worth and the Rotary Clubs of Fort Worth and Mbabane undertook a project to provide wheelchairs to individuals residing in the city of Mbabane, as well as to train a workforce to service the wheelchairs. During this exchange, an opportunity was created for visits to the UNISWA and the Mbabane Government Hospital. The UNTHSC has an interest in international clinical experiences for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. The UNISWA envisage to be assisted by experts Physiotherapists from UNTHSC in developing the same program at the UNISWA, Faculty of Health Sciences. It is hoped that student and staff exchange with strengthen the Physiotherapy programs in both tertiary institutions. The Mbabane Government Hospital will serve as a setting for physiotherapy students' competency acquisition. Service provision to clients will be expanded.
Physiotherapists from the Mbabane Government Hospital are interested in skills sharing and international professional experience between them and UNTHSC. Shared research and advanced training would benefit the profession.
Results: An affiliation agreement for clinical contracts has been completed, with plans to begin clinical exchange in the spring of 2020. With the formal partnership, UNTHSC is able to offer online continuing education coursework as well as library privileges allowing remote access to electronic databases including e-journals and e-texts.
Conclusion(s): Through collaboration and sharing of resources between non-governmental organizations, healthcare organizations, and educational institutions, the goal of creating community between healthcare practitioners and enriching communities through education and exchange can be realized.
Implications: Partnerships, collaboration, and exchanges between developed and developing countries can result in a two-way flow of information and generate effective solutions for global health systems. International clinical experiences have been shown to provide learning opportunities that are beneficial to both their personal and professional growth. Inclusion of social organizations can be valuable in creating introductions, facilitating relationships, and in sustaining programming.
Keywords: education, collaboration, global partnership
Funding acknowledgements: No funding acknowledgements to be made.
Topic: Education; Globalisation: health systems, policies & strategies; Education: clinical
Ethics approval required: No
Institution: University of North Texas Health Science Center
Ethics committee: North Texas Regional IRB
Reason not required: ''the activity has been determined as not human subject research in accordance with US federal regulations and university policy
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
