International and Interprofessional Collaboration: An Innovative Week of Learning Across Three Professions, Three Universities, and One Ocean

Abby Swanson Kazley; Joan M Creed; Connie Grotenhuis; Gilbert Boissonneault; Hans Springer; Laurence Alpay; Rob Doms

doi:10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001114

International and Interprofessional Collaboration: An Innovative Week of Learning Across Three Professions, Three Universities, and One Ocean

Nurs Educ Perspect. 2024 May-Jun;45(3):192-193. doi: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001114. Epub 2023 May 1.

Authors

Abby Swanson Kazley¹, Joan M Creed, Connie Grotenhuis, Gilbert Boissonneault, Hans Springer, Laurence Alpay, Rob Doms

Affiliation

¹ About the Authors Abby Swanson Kazley, PhD, is professor and division director, Master's of Science in Health Informatics, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston. Joan M. Creed, DNP, MN, CCM, is associate professor, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia. Connie Grotenhuis, MSc, BAN, is project leader Public Relations and Communication, Master's Degree Program in Nursing, InHolland University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Gilbert Boissonneault, PhD, PA-C, is retired professor of physician assisting, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina. Hans Springer, RN, Bsc, is lecturer, Masters ANP and PA, InHolland University of Applied Sciences. Laurence Alpay, PhD, is associate professor, Medical Technology Research Group, InHolland University of Applied Sciences. Rob Doms, MSc, is manager master, Advanced Health Informatics Practice, InHolland University of Applied Sciences. The authors are thankful to their universities for support to complete this educational event. For more information, contact Dr. Creed at jcreed@mailbox.sc.edu .

PMID: 37125704
DOI: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001114

Abstract

As the COVID-19 pandemic prevented planned international travel opportunities for students and faculty, faculty at three universities from three professions created a four-day innovative, online learning experience. Each session included presentations from each country, small-group discussions, and evaluation. The topics appealed to students regardless of profession or nationality. Daily evaluations showed attendees valued the experience. The benefits of international and interprofessional learning were evident; students gained better understanding of other professions and health care systems through sessions that expanded their thinking. International appreciation and learning can be prioritized without physical travel.