Nursing education partnerships between western high-income universities and non-governmental agencies and low-income local agencies: A scoping review of the literature.

Abstract

Nursing education partnerships between high-income and low-income countries have increased over recent decades, aiming to advance health care across borders. In order to understand the current state of these partnership efforts, we completed a systematic scoping review of nurse education partnerships. From peer-reviewed literature, grey literature, program websites, and web announcements, references describing 28 international nursing education partnerships were identified. Partnerships ranged by geographic location of partners (mainly among the low-resource countries), types of organizations, clinical specialty focus, and types of degree or certification conferred. Additionally, references ranged in the amount of information provided, ranging from comprehensive program evaluations to brief descriptions. This overview of available information on nursing education partnerships provides evidence that efforts across the globe are underway and details the various programs. There is need for more systematic evaluation and refinement of guidelines regarding best practices for established and emerging nursing educational partnerships.