Global Host Partner Perspectives: Utilizing a Conceptual Model to Strengthen Collaboration with Host Partners for International Nursing Student Placements

Public Health Nurs. 2016 Jul;33(4):351-9. doi: 10.1111/phn.12258. Epub 2016 Mar 9.

Abstract

Objectives: Collaboration in international nursing student placements requires equitable partnerships between global partners to address areas of shared importance, such as equity and justice in health promotion. This qualitative study was the first to use the Leffers and Mitchell Conceptual Model for Partnership and Sustainability in Global Health to elicit global host partners' perspectives regarding effective collaboration for Canadian community health nursing placements in the Dominican Republic.

Design and sample: Focus group and semi-structured interview methodology was conducted with Dominican Republic (Dominican and Haitian) host partners (n = 23) about the engagement processes and host partner factors for effective partnership.

Results: Dominican (83%) and Haitian (17%) participants, comprised similar numbers of male and female adults aged 18-60 years (mean age = 36 years), represented the full range of the Dominican Republic host partners (e.g., teachers, health professionals). Interpretive analysis revealed themes that included (1) the unique role of the cultural broker; (2) relational collaboration in a collective society; (3) reciprocal approaches that honor local expertise; and (4) contextual socioeconomic and cultural factors that influence partnerships.

Conclusions: Future research and implications at the individual, community, and policy levels are discussed.

Keywords: conceptual model; international education; study abroad.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Canada
  • Community Health Nursing / education*
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Dominican Republic
  • Education, Nursing / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Humans
  • International Educational Exchange*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Organizational*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Young Adult