Key Factors Promoting Rapid Implementation of Virtual Screening Modalities for the COVID-19 Pandemic Response.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 (C-19) pandemic required swift response from health care organizations to mitigate spread and impact. A large integrated health network rapidly deployed and operationalized multiple access channels to the community, allowing assessment and triage to occur virtually. These channels were characterized by swift implementation of virtual models, including asynchronous e-visits and video visits for C-19 screening. PURPOSE: (1) Evaluate implementation characteristics of C-19 screening e-visits and video visits. (2) Identify volume of C-19 screening and other care provided via e-visits and video visits. (3) Discuss future implications of expanded virtual access models. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of implementation data for C-19 screening e-visits and video visits, including operational characteristics and visit/screening volumes conducted. RESULTS: Virtual channels were implemented and rapidly expanded during the first week C-19 testing was made available. During the study period, primary care clinicians conducted 10,673 e-visits and 31,226 video visits with 9,126 and 26,009 patients, respectively. Within these 2 virtual modalities, 4,267 C-19 tests were ordered (10% of visits). Four hundred forty-eight clinicians supported 24/7 access to these virtual modalities. DISCUSSION: Given ongoing patient interest and opportunity, virtual health care services will continue to be available for an expanded number of symptoms and diagnoses.

In-service nurse mentoring in 2020, the year of the nurse and the midwife: learning from Bihar, India.

In-service nurse mentoring is increasingly seen as a way to strengthen the quality of health care in rural areas, where healthworkers are scarce. Despite this, the evidence base for designing large-scale programs remains relatively thin. In this capacity-building article, we reflect on the limited evidence that exists and introduce features of the world's largest program, run by CARE-India since 2015. Detail on the mechanics of large-scale programs is often missing from empirical research studies, but is a crucial aspect of organizational learning and development. Moreover, by focusing on the complex ways in which capacity-building is being institutionalized through an embedded model of in-service mentorship, this article bridges research and practice. We point to a number of areas that require further research as well as considerations for program managers designing comparable workforce strengthening programs. With careful planning and cross-national policy learning, we propose that in-service nurse mentoring may offer a cost-effective and appropriate workforce development approach in a variety of settings.

Maternal health training priorities for nursing and allied professions in Haiti / Prioridades de capacitación en salud materna para la enfermería y profesiones auxiliares en Haití / Prioridades na formação de enfermeiros e profissionais da saúde auxiliares na área da saúde materna no Haiti

ABSTRACT Objectives. This study summarizes the findings of a training needs and priority assessment completed in Haiti. Its objective is to describe the characteristics of nursing and allied professions providing first level maternal health care and identify training needs and priorities to inform planning of Human Resources for Health interventions. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was completed between October 2016 and March 2017 by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Haiti office in collaboration with national health authorities. Participants reached consensus to submit one finalized version of the survey. Data were collected on composition, capacities, and training needs and priorities of traditional birth attendants, community health workers, registered nurses, professional midwives, and auxiliary nurses. Results. Haiti relies heavily on community level workers including community health workers, auxiliary nurses, and traditional birth attendants. Traditional birth attendants attend the majority of Haiti's births, despite having low education levels and not being regulated by the Ministry of Public Health and Population. All professional categories prioritize preventive capacities such as timely identification of complications, while none are trained to manage postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, or eclampsia. Management of obstetric emergencies is a training priority for Haiti but is not part of the scope of work of the nursing and allied health professions included in this study. Conclusions. Community level health workers are key in providing preventive care and referral of complicated pregnancies, but lack of access to providers qualified to treat obstetric complications remains a challenge to reducing maternal mortality.(AU)

RESUMEN Objetivos. En este estudio se resumen los resultados de la evaluación de necesidades y prioridades de capacitación realizada en Haití. Su objetivo es describir las características de la enfermería y las profesiones auxiliares que prestan el primer nivel de atención de salud materna, y establecer las necesidades y las prioridades de capacitación a fin de diseñar la planificación de recursos humanos para las intervenciones de la salud. Métodos. La Representación de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud/Organización Mundial de la Salud en Haití realizó una encuesta transversal entre octubre del 2016 y marzo del 2017, en colaboración con las autoridades nacionales de salud. Los participantes consensuaron presentar una versión ultimada de la encuesta. Se recopilaron datos sobre la composición, las capacidades y las necesidades y las prioridades de capacitación de las parteras tradicionales, los agentes comunitarios de salud, las enfermeras tituladas, las parteras profesionales y las enfermeras auxiliares. Resultados. Haití depende en gran medida de trabajadores comunitarios, entre los que se incluyen los agentes comunitarios de salud, las enfermeras auxiliares y las parteras tradicionales. Las parteras tradicionales atienden la mayoría de los nacimientos en Haití, a pesar de disponer de un nivel bajo de formación y no estar reguladas por el Ministerio de Salud Pública y Población. Todas las categorías profesionales priorizan las capacidades preventivas, como la detección temprana de las complicaciones, si bien no están capacitadas para controlar la hemorragia posparto, la preeclampsia o la eclampsia. El tratamiento de las urgencias obstétricas es una prioridad de la capacitación en Haití, pero no forma parte del ámbito de trabajo de la enfermería y las profesiones auxiliares incluidas en este estudio. Conclusiones. Los trabajadores de salud a nivel comunitario son clave para la prestación de atención preventiva y derivación de los embarazos complicados, pero la falta de acceso a prestadores cualificados para tratar las complicaciones obstétricas es todavía un obstáculo para reducir la mortalidad materna.(AU)

RESUMO Objetivos. Este estudo resume os resultados de uma avaliação sobre as necessidades prioritárias na formação de profissionais da saúde no Haiti. Seu objetivo é descrever as características do trabalho de enfermeiros e profissionais da saúde auxiliares na prestação de atenção primária para a saúde materna e identificar as necessidades prioritárias de formação, a fim de fundamentar o planejamento de intervenções voltadas aos recursos humanos para a saúde. Métodos. O Escritório da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde/Organização Mundial da Saúde no Haiti, em colaboração com as autoridades nacionais de saúde, realizou um inquérito transversal entre outubro de 2016 e março de 2017. Os participantes chegaram a um consenso, apresentando uma versão finalizada do inquérito. Foram coletados dados sobre a composição, as capacidades e as necessidades prioritárias de formação de parteiras tradicionais, agentes comunitários de saúde, enfermeiros, parteiras profissionais e auxiliares de enfermagem. Resultados. O Haiti é muito dependente de trabalhadores de nível comunitário, como agentes comunitários de saúde, auxiliares de enfermagem e parteiras tradicionais. As parteiras tradicionais atendem a maioria dos partos no Haiti, apesar de terem um baixo nível de escolaridade e não serem regulamentadas pelo Ministério de Saúde Pública e População. Todas as categorias profissionais priorizam as capacidades preventivas, como a rápida identificação de complicações, e nenhuma recebe formação para lidar com hemorragia pós-parto, pré-eclâmpsia ou eclâmpsia. A formação para o tratamento de emergências obstétricas é uma prioridade no Haiti, mas não faz parte do escopo de trabalho dos enfermeiros e profissionais da saúde auxiliares incluídos neste estudo. Conclusões. Os profissionais da saúde de nível comunitário são fundamentais na prestação de cuidados preventivos e no encaminhamento de gestações complicadas, mas a falta de acesso a profissionais qualificados para tratar complicações obstétricas ainda é um obstáculo nos esforços para reduzir a mortalidade materna.(AU)

Capacity Building for and Implementation of Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change: Results from a Survey of the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program.

Policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) approaches are commonly used to improve population health. Cancer-related examples include providing data and education to stakeholders about policies that support healthy living, or health systems changes such as universal reminders about recommended cancer screening. The National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) funds health departments to form cancer coalitions that develop and implement cancer plans. NCCCP initiated a demonstration program in 13 of 65 funded grantees to determine whether skilled, dedicated staffing and using a strategic process to examine data, form a workgroup, and develop an agenda would enhance their capacity to implement PSE approaches, recruit new partners, and provide data and education to stakeholders. The objective of this study was to compare demonstration program grantees to other NCCCP grantees on their ability to develop and implement PSE strategies, and the short-term results that were achieved. Program directors (PDs) from each NCCCP-funded jurisdiction completed web surveys at 2 time points during implementation to assess changes in their capacity for PSE approaches, identify implementation activities, and document short-term outcomes. Responses from demonstration program PDs and other PDs at both time points were compared in a descriptive analysis. Demonstration program grantees experienced greater increases in skills and capacity to address PSE approaches, engaged in necessary implementation activities more often, and achieved greater improvements in stakeholder and decision maker awareness and support for PSE strategies, compared to nonparticipating NCCCP grantees. These findings support continued implementation of PSE approaches for sustainable cancer prevention and control.

Lessons From Rural Peru in Integrating Mental Health Into Primary Care.

Peru secured a legislative advance for mental health care with a 2012 law mandating that mental health services be available in primary care. One of the main challenges faced by this reform is implementation in remote regions. This column describes a pilot project in Peru that took place from 2010 to 2014 to develop capacity for including mental health services in primary care in one of the most isolated, high-needs regions of the country. The authors describe use of accompaniment-based training and supervision of clinicians and comprehensive, engaged regional partnerships formed to increase the impact and sustainability of the service expansion.

Maternal health training priorities for nursing and allied health workers in Colombia, Honduras, and Nicaragua / Prioridades de capacitación en el ámbito de la salud materna para el personal de enfermería y otros trabajadores de salud en Colombia, Honduras y Nicaragua / Prioridades em formação em saúde materna para profissionais de enfermagem e outros profissionais da saúde na Colômbia, Honduras e Nicarágua

ABSTRACT Objective To assess maternal health training priorities for primary care human resources for health (HRH) in nursing and allied health workers in Colombia, Honduras, and Nicaragua, to inform maternal care HRH strategic planning efforts. Methods This Washington, D.C.-based study utilized cross-sectional survey methodology to collect country-level data. From October 2016 to March 2017, a needs assessment tool was developed by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centers. Data collection was completed by PAHO/WHO country offices, in collaboration with national health authorities and other high-level government personnel. The collected data included information on the composition, capacities, and training priorities of traditional birth attendants (TBAs), community health workers (CHWs), registered nurses (RNs), and auxiliary nurses in the three study countries; the findings were summarized in a report. Results Data on the health workforce composition in the three countries indicated reliance on HRH with low levels of education and training, with limited integration of TBAs. In all three countries, management of obstetric emergencies was a training priority for RNs, and identification of danger signs was a priority for CHWs and TBAs. Training priorities for auxiliary nurses varied widely across the three countries and included health promotion, preconception and prenatal care, and obstetric emergencies. There was also a wide range in the total number of HRH across the three countries. Conclusions Reliance on health workers with low levels of training is concerning but can be mitigated through in-service training. Training priorities are consistent with the major causes of maternal mortality, and Latin America and Caribbean region training programs show promise for improving quality of care. In the long term, planning for maternal care HRH should seek to increase the concentration of health professionals that are more highly skilled.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar las prioridades de capacitación en el ámbito de la salud materna de los recursos humanos de enfermería y otros trabajadores de atención primaria en Colombia, Honduras y Nicaragua, y fundamentar los esfuerzos de planificación estratégica de los recursos humanos para la salud dedicados a la atención materna. Métodos En este estudio, con sede en Washington, D. C., se empleó una metodología de encuesta transversal para recopilar datos a nivel de país. Entre los meses de octubre del 2016 y marzo del 2017, la Organización Panamericana de la Salud/Organización Mundial de la Salud (OPS/OMS) y sus centros colaboradores elaboraron una herramienta para la evaluación de las necesidades. Las representaciones de la OPS/OMS, en colaboración con las autoridades nacionales de salud y otros funcionarios gubernamentales de alto nivel, realizaron la recopilación de datos. Los datos reunidos incluyeron información sobre la composición, las aptitudes y las prioridades de capacitación de las parteras tradicionales, los agentes comunitarios de salud, las enfermeras tituladas y las enfermeras auxiliares en los tres países del estudio. Los resultados se resumieron en un informe. Resultados Los datos sobre la composición del personal de salud en los tres países indicaron que se depende de recursos humanos para la salud que presentan escasos niveles de educación y formación, y que la integración de las parteras tradicionales es limitada. En los tres países, el tratamiento de las urgencias obstétricas constituyó una prioridad de capacitación para las enfermeras tituladas, y la detección de los signos de peligro fue una prioridad en el caso de los agentes comunitarios de salud y las parteras tradicionales. Las prioridades de formación para las enfermeras auxiliares variaron sustancialmente entre los tres países y entrañaron la promoción de la salud, la atención pregestacional y prenatal, y las urgencias obstétricas. Asimismo, el número total de recursos humanos para la salud varió considerablemente entre los países. Conclusiones Depender de personal de salud de escaso nivel formativo es motivo de preocupación, si bien la capacitación en el servicio puede mitigar este problema. Las prioridades de capacitación están en consonancia con las principales causas de mortalidad materna y los programas formativos de América Latina y el Caribe resultan prometedores para mejorar la calidad de la atención. A largo plazo, la planificación de los recursos humanos para la salud dedicados a la atención materna deberá procurar aumentar la concentración de profesionales de salud más capacitados.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar as prioridades de formação em saúde materna dos recursos humanos na área de atenção primária à saúde entre profissionais de enfermagem e outros profissionais da saúde na Colômbia, Honduras e Nicarágua, a fim de subsidiar os esforços de planejamento estratégico de recursos humanos para saúde materna. Métodos Foi conduzido um estudo transversal, sediado em Washington, D.C., para coletar dados ao nível nacional. Uma ferramenta de avaliação das necessidades foi desenvolvida, de outubro de 2016 a março de 2017, pela Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde/Organização Mundial da Saúde (OPAS/OMS) e Centros Colaboradores da OPAS/OMS. A coleta de dados foi concluída pelas representações da OPAS/OMS nos países, em colaboração com autoridades sanitárias nacionais e pessoal de alto escalão do governo. Foram coletados dados sobre a composição, as competências e as prioridades de formação de parteiras tradicionais, agentes comunitários de saúde, enfermeiros licenciados e assistentes de enfermagem nos três países de estudo. Os resultados foram compilados em um relatório. Resultados Os dados relativos à composição da força de trabalho em saúde nos três países indicaram que eles contam com pessoal com baixo nível de instrução e formação, com integração limitada das parteiras tradicionais. Observou-se, nos três países, que a atuação em emergências obstétricas era uma prioridade de formação para enfermeiros licenciados e a identificação de sinais de perigo era uma prioridade para agentes comunitários de saúde e parteiras tradicionais. As prioridades de formação para os assistentes de enfermagem foram bastante distintas entre os países: promoção da saúde, cuidados pré-concepcionais e assistência pré-natal e emergências obstétricas. O número total de recursos humanos para a saúde também variou nos três países. Conclusões É motivo de preocupação ter de contar com profissionais da saúde com baixo nível de formação, porém este problema pode ser reduzido com a capacitação no próprio serviço. As prioridades de formação nos países estudados são condizentes com as principais causas de mortalidade materna e os programas de formação profissional da Região da América Latina e Caribe têm potencial para melhorar a qualidade da atenção. O planejamento dos recursos humanos para saúde materna deve visar a longo prazo aumentar a concentração de profissionais que são mais capacitados.

The development of a global Midwifery Education Accreditation Programme.

BACKGROUND: Many countries are responding to the global shortage of midwives by increasing the student intake to their midwifery schools. At the same time, attention must be paid to the quality of education being provided, so that quality of midwifery care can be assured. Methods of assuring quality of education include accreditation schemes, but capacity to implement such schemes is weak in many countries. OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the process of developing and pilot testing the International Confederation of Midwives' Midwifery Education Accreditation Programme (ICM MEAP), based on global standards for midwifery education, and discusses the potential contribution it can make to building capacity and improving quality of care for mothers and their newborns. METHODS: A review of relevant global, regional and national standards and tools informed the development of a set of assessment criteria (which was validated during an international consultation exercise) and a process for applying these criteria to midwifery schools. The process was pilot tested in two countries: Comoros and Trinidad and Tobago. RESULTS: The assessment criteria and accreditation process were found to be appropriate in both country contexts, but both were refined after the pilot to make them more user-friendly. CONCLUSION: The ICM MEAP has the potential to contribute to improving health outcomes for women and newborns by building institutional capacity for the provision of high-quality midwifery education and thus improved quality of midwifery care, via improved accountability for the quality of midwifery education.

Integration of mental health into primary healthcare: perceptions of stakeholders in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: In Pakistan, there is high prevalence of mental health disorders, but mental health services to address these are not well developed. To provide effective mental health services, the World Health Organization emphasizes the integration of mental health into primary health care (PHC). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the views of key stakeholders about integration of mental health into PHC in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted between June and September 2013 among 15 decision-making (from the Department of Health) and implementation-level stakeholders (mental health and public health professionals and primary care staff) from both the public and private sectors. Face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were collected until theoretical saturation was achieved and conventional content analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Although there was general support among all the stakeholders for integration of mental health services within PHC, there were also a number of reservations. First was the perceived lack of support within the system in terms of resource allocation and acceptance from the community. Second was the lack of human resources in the field of mental health. In addition, resistance at the PHC level is likely as staff are already burdened with other preventive care services. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that strong political commitment, adequate human and financial resources, and strong advocacy are needed for the integration of mental health into PHC in Pakistan.

Leadership and capacity building in international chiropractic research: introducing the chiropractic academy for research leadership (CARL).

In an evidence-based health care environment, healthcare professions require a sustainable research culture to remain relevant. At present however, there is not a mature research culture across the chiropractic profession largely due to deficiencies in research capacity and leadership, which may be caused by a lack of chiropractic teaching programs in major universities. As a response to this challenge the Chiropractic Academy for Research Leadership, CARL, was created with the aim of develop a global network of successful early-career chiropractic researchers under the mentorship of three successful senior academics from Australia, Canada, and Denmark. The program centres upon an annual week-long program residential that rotates continental locations over the first three-year cycle and between residentials the CARL fellows work on self-initiated research and leadership initiatives. Through a competivite application process, the first cohort was selected and consists of 13 early career researchers from five professions in seven countries who represent diverse areas of interests of high relevance for chiropractic. The first residential was held in Odense, Denmark, with the second being planned in April 2018 in Edmonton, Canada, and the final residential to be held in Sydney, Australia in 2019.

Implementing voluntary medical male circumcision using an innovative, integrated, health systems approach: experiences from 21 districts in Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND: Despite increased support for voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) to reduce HIV incidence, current VMMC progress falls short. Slow progress in VMMC expansion may be partially attributed to emphasis on vertical (stand-alone) over more integrated implementation models that are more responsive to local needs. In 2013, the ZAZIC consortium began implementation of a 5-year, integrated VMMC program jointly with Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) in Zimbabwe. OBJECTIVE: To explore ZAZIC's approach emphasizing existing healthcare workers and infrastructure, increasing program sustainability and resilience. METHODS: A process evaluation utilizing routine quantitative data. Interviews with key MoHCC informants illuminate program strengths and weaknesses. METHODS: A process evaluation utilizing routine quantitative data. Interviews with key MoHCC informants illuminate program strengths and weaknesses. RESULTS: In start-up and year 1 (March 2013-September, 2014), ZAZIC expanded from two to 36 static VMMC sites and conducted 46,011 VMMCs; 39,840 completed from October 2013 to September 2014. From October 2014 to September 2015, 44,868 VMMCs demonstrated 13% increased productivity. In October, 2015, ZAZIC was required by its donor to consolidate service provision from 21 to 10 districts over a 3-month period. Despite this shock, 57,282 VMMCs were completed from October 2015 to September 2016 followed by 44,414 VMMCs in only 6 months, from October 2016 to March 2017. Overall, ZAZIC performed 192,575 VMMCs from March 2013 to March, 2017. The vast majority of VMMCs were completed safely by MoHCC staff with a reported moderate and severe adverse event rate of 0.3%. CONCLUSION: The safety, flexibility, and pace of scale-up associated with the integrated VMMC model appears similar to vertical delivery with potential benefits of capacity building, sustainability and health system strengthening. These models also appear more adaptable to local contexts. Although more complicated than traditional approaches to program implementation, attention should be given to this country-led approach for its potential to spur positive health system changes, including building local ownership, capacity, and infrastructure for future public health programming.

Minnesota Integrated Health Partnership Demonstration: Implementation of a Medicaid ACO Model.

In recent years, accountable care organizations (ACOs) have become more prevalent in the United States. This study describes the origins, implementation, and early results of Minnesota's Medicaid ACO payment model, the Integrated Health Partnership (IHP) demonstration project. We describe the structure of the program and present preliminary evaluation results to document the state's important work and to provide lessons for other states interested in implementing Medicaid ACOs. The IHP program has expanded in size over time, the state has reported significant savings, and evidence exists of capacity building among participating providers. We identify factors that may have contributed to the program's early success, but more work is needed to investigate the specific drivers of quality improvement and savings within Minnesota's ACO program and to compare the design and effects of the IHP with other Medicaid and Medicare ACO programs. We conclude with comments about the future of the state's Medicaid ACO program and situate Minnesota's findings within the context of the broader ACO movement.

Interventions to support and develop clinician-researcher leadership in one health district.

Purpose Clinical leadership, researcher capacity and a culture of clinical inquiry are needed in the clinical workforce. The purpose of this paper is to report on a program which was used to develop and support clinicians to explore practice, implement innovation, translate evidence and build researcher capacity. Design/methodology/approach This pragmatic paper presents a case study of a nursing and midwifery clinician-researcher development program. The multi-site, multi-modal program focused on education, mentoring and support, communication networks, and clinician-university partnerships strategies to build workforce capacity and leadership. Findings Over 2,000 staff have been involved in the program representing a range of health disciplines. The study day program has been delivered to 500 participants with master classes having over 1,500 attendees. The research mentor program has demonstrated that participants increased their confidence for research leadership roles and are pursuing research and quality assurance projects. Communication strategies improved the visibility of nursing and midwifery. Research limitations/implications This case study was conducted in one health district, which may not have relevance to other geographical areas. The small numbers involved in the research mentor program need to be considered when reviewing the findings. Practical implications The program has been a catalyst for developing a research culture, clinical leadership and research networks that strengthen workforce capacity. Building researcher skills in the workforce will better support quality healthcare and the examination of everyday practice. Social implications Building a culture of healthcare that is based on inquiry and evidence-based practice will lead to more appropriate and consistent healthcare delivery. Consumers have the right to expect health clinicians will challenge everyday practice and have the skills and capability to translate or generate best evidence to underpin professional and service delivery. Originality/value This paper provides strategies for building workforce researcher capacity and capability. The program provides opportunity for building research networks and role modeling the value and importance of research to practice and quality improvement.

Health justice partnerships: initial insights into the delivery of an integrated health and legal service for youth in regional Victoria.

INTRODUCTION: This article presents interim findings from research examining the implementation of a health justice partnership (HJP) focusing on the legal and health needs of regional young people. HJPs provide an innovative service model offering an integrated health and legal service for the community. HJPs are a relatively new service model for Australia, yet the program is well suited to meet the needs of particular population cohorts, including young people and those in regional locations experiencing complex legal issues. METHODS: Funded by the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner, an HJP in partnership with three organisations was established in a large regional area in Victoria, Australia. Research is being conducted alongside the program to examine its impact on young people, and the implications on practice for staff in the partner organisations. RESULTS: Findings provide preliminary support for the HJP model with a number of young people - from predominantly disadvantaged backgrounds and with varying legal issues - having been referred to the program in the first 6 months. Referrals were received from both partner agencies and external agencies. Initial client and staff survey responses indicate that the legal problem of the young people was affecting how they feel. CONCLUSIONS: While these findings provide preliminary support for the HJP further research will offer longer term insights about HJPs within the Australian context, particularly rural and regional settings.

A model for upscaling global partnerships and building nurse and midwifery capacity.

AIM: To provide a unique model for use in guiding global collaboration and policy to upscale nursing and midwifery partnerships. BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION: Nurses and midwives across nations need skills reaching beyond the bedside and unit level in today's complex, global, multifaceted healthcare milieu. Thoughtful consideration, research and concomitant development of models to guide appropriate upscaling of nurse and midwifery capacity within and between nations are needed. DISCUSSION: This article explores an integrated global approach to upscaling nurse and midwifery capacity using examples of partnerships between nursing and midwifery programmes across multiple continents. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Global nurse and midwifery capacity is effectively being developed using a myriad of approaches. A new model is presented to illustrate supports, strategies and activities to achieve intermediate and long-term goals for capacity building through strong and sustainable global partnerships. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING POLICY: Development of global skills can focus the nurse and midwife to influence policy-level decisions. Human resource planning that can impact countrywide provision of health care begins in the preservice setting for both nurses and midwives. A global experience can be a value-added component to the well-rounded education of future nurses. Education during preparation for entry into practice is a strategic way to develop a worldview. Incorporating reflective practice can build skills and shape attitudes to prepare the new nurse to be comfortable as a global healthcare provider. An expanded world view is the springboard to more robust and informed involvement and inclusion in policy-level discussions.

Capacity evaluation for general practitioners in Pudong new area of Shanghai: an empirical study.

BACKGROUND: Building highly qualified General Practitioners (GPs) is key to the development of primary health care. It's therefore urgent to ensure the GPs' quality service under the background of the new round of health care system reforms in China. A new model of GP qualification examination was originally implemented in Pudong New Area of Shanghai, China, which aimed to empirically evaluate the GPs' capability in terms of clinical performance and social recognition. In the current study, an analysis was made of the first two years (2014-2015) of such theoretical and practical examinations on the GPs there with a view to getting a deep insight into the GP community so as to identify the barriers to such a form of GP qualification examination. METHODS: The agency survey method was applied to the two-year database of the GP examinees, the formative research conducted to explore the key elements for developing the examination model. The data analysis was performed with SPSS for Windows (Version 19.0) to describe the GPs' overall characteristics, and to make comparisons between different groups. RESULTS: In 2015, the total number of GPs was 1264 in the area, in different districts of which, statistically significant differences were found in sex, age, professional title and employment span (P < 0.05). Such results were found to be similar to those in 2014. The examinees' theoretical scores were statistically different (F = 7.76; P < 0.05), showing a sloping trend from the urban district to the suburban, to the rural and then to the farther rural, as indicated by LSD-t test (P < 0.05). From the theoretical examinations the scores were higher on the western medicine than on the traditional Chinese medicine (F = 22.11; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As suggested by the current study on the GPs' qualification examination, which was pioneered in Pudong New Area of Shanghai, the construction of GP community was far from sufficient. It was a preliminary study and further studies are merited along the construction and development in terms of continuing medical education, performance appraisal and incentive mechanism.

Research capacity building in midwifery: Case study of an Australian Graduate Midwifery Research Intern Programme.

BACKGROUND: Having the research capacity to identify problems, create new knowledge and most importantly translate this knowledge into practice is essential within health care. Midwifery, as well as other health professions in Australia, is challenged in building its research capacity to contribute evidence to inform clinical practice. AIM: The aim of this project was to evaluate an innovative Graduate Midwifery Research Intern Programme offered at a tertiary obstetric hospital in Western Australia, to determine what was working well and how the programme could be improved. METHOD: A case study approach was used to gain feedback from graduate midwives within a Graduate Research Intern (GRI) Programme. In addition outcomes were compiled of all projects the GRI midwives contributed to. Six GRI midwives participated in a survey comprising of four open ended questions to provide feedback about the programme. RESULTS: Findings confirm that the GRI programme increased the graduates understanding of how research works, its capacity to define a problem, generate new knowledge and inform clinical practice. The GRI midwives' feedback suggested the programme opened their thinking to future study and gave them enhanced insight into women's experiences around childbirth. CONCLUSION: To grow our knowledge as a professional group, midwives must develop and promote programmes to build our pool of research capable midwives. By sharing our programme evaluation we hope to entice other clinical settings to consider the value in replicating such a programme within their context.