THE GLOBAL HEALTH ALLIANCE WESTERN AUSTRALIA MISSION: AN INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE APPROACH TO DEVELOP CULTURAL COMPETENCE AMONGST NURSING AND MIDWIFERY STUDENTS AND STAFF

It has been recognised that cultural competency is an essential attribute in nursing and midwifery graduates entering clinical settings. Increased exposure to clients of diverse cultures has heightened the urgency to develop culturally sensitive approaches to professional practice. Therefore curricula need to include cultural content and students and faculty members need to possess culturally competent skills. To address this, the Global Health Alliance Western Australia, an innovative multi-organisational venture was developed. It provides international clinical placement exchange for nursing and midwifery students in developed and developing countries. Through this experience students/staff learn to cooperate and communicate issues from a multicultural perspective and apply methods based on clinical reasoning and evidence based practice. The Alliance furthermore facilitates professional development opportunities for emerging international nursing and midwifery leaders. The foundation partners entail the five Western Australian Universities Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, the Nurses and Midwives Board and the Department of Health.

This paper presents findings of primary research conducted using a mixed-method approach involving interviews and work sampling observations. Included also are tools utilised for evaluation of developing countries’ strengths for clinical placement in acute and community healthcare areas, as well as the assessment of clinical practice against the established nursing and midwifery registration competencies.

While the journey is in its infancy, sharing the lessons already learnt is invaluable. Recognition of individual partner’s needs in the areas of policy, regulation, education and practice is paramount to build international sustainable healthcare infrastructures. Financial support for the initiative is provided by the Department of Health, Western Australia.