Constructing a Global Learning Partnership in Physiotherapy: An Ireland-Uganda Initiative

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Rehabilitation Science
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Disability and poverty are strongly linked, hindering poverty reduction in low-income countries.
• A significant shortage of rehabilitation professionals exists in developing nations.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted this human resources gap in 2006.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a sustainable partnership between University College Dublin (Ireland) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (Uganda).
• To strengthen educational and research capacity in global health, disability, and rehabilitation.
• To describe the collaborative approach and initial outcomes of this interinstitutional project.

Main Methods:

• Bilateral staff visits between the two physiotherapy schools.
• Stakeholder meetings, clinical site visits, and workshops to identify partnership priorities.
• Utilized appreciative inquiry methodology and a four-dimensional framework for curriculum development.

Main Results:

• Identified key priorities: joint global health learning, postgraduate opportunities for Ugandan staff, and joint clinical placements.
• A plan of action was developed based on identified priorities.
• The project outlines the rationale and context for the collaboration.

Conclusions:

• The partnership is ambitious, requiring long-term commitment and funding for sustainability.
• Provides a framework for similar interinstitutional collaborations globally.
• Fosters rich learning experiences, enhancing understanding of global health, social determinants, and professional skills.