Global health bootcamp: An innovative interprofessional course for clinicians dedicated to equitable global health care delivery

Abstract

Nicaragua. Faculty and students travel together to elder homes in Nicaragua to perform needs-based assessments, provide care to elderly residents, offer education to caregivers, and engage with stakeholders to enhance sustainability for the residents. This program exists to give students the opportunity to practice in an interprofessional community setting and learn about global health and citizenship. Structure/Method/Design: Students must complete an application and be selected to participate. In country the program incorporates sustainability through community based rehabilitation. Participants collaborate with local government, universities, and charitable organizations to increase awareness of the needs of older adults resulting in more involvement from the local community. When students return they help recruit students for the following year by sharing their experiences. In 2013 core faculty championed a change from the previously ‘no credit’ service learning opportunity to the current 4credit course. The desired outcomes of this program are to create graduates who are leaders in their professions in the areas of care for the elderly and underserved, global citizenship, and interprofessional practice. Outcomes & Evaluation: Since 2007, the program has grown from three professions to now include all eight programs in the College of Health Professions. Results of the RIPLS, Health Professions Schools in Service to the Nation Service Learning Student Survey, and course evaluations, indicate an improved understanding of their own and others’ roles in preparation for community interprofessional practice, enhanced leadership skills, and increased comfort working with people of difference. Five students have returned to Nicaragua as adjunct faculty, mentoring and training the next class of students. The faculty and students have served 5 homes and 650 older adults in 1650 hours of service, provided 243 hours of education and training covering 211 participants, conducted 18 community meetings, raised $19,000 in grant funding, and donated over 7600 pounds of supplies. Going Forward: Ongoing challenges and opportunities for the program include capacity building due to the lack of training and knowledge regarding needs of older adults, local government support, meeting educational needs of local university students to encourage their engagement, and inspiring our students to understand the critical roles they have in education and capacity building. Funding: Each student pays their travel expenses and a faculty supervision fee. Scholarships, financial aid, and fundraising opportunities are available. Abstract #: 01ETC102