Using Collaborative Online International Learning to Support Global Midwifery Education.

Area of Science:

• Global Health Education
• Medical Training
• International Collaboration

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global health learning opportunities.
• Creative solutions were needed to maintain educational continuity.
• Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) emerged as a viable strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a COIL program for nursing and midwifery students.
• To evaluate student satisfaction and knowledge gain regarding different healthcare systems.
• To explore the potential of COIL in bridging global health learning gaps.

Main Methods:

• Faculty from Uganda and the United States designed a 2-session COIL activity.
• Twenty-eight nursing and midwifery students from both countries participated.
• A REDCap survey measured satisfaction, time commitment, and knowledge increase.

Main Results:

• Students reported high satisfaction and increased understanding of healthcare systems.
• Most participants desired more activity time and face-to-face interaction.
• Qualitative feedback highlighted the value of cross-cultural learning.

Conclusions:

• COIL offers a no-cost, effective method for global health learning.
• The COIL model is adaptable for various courses and durations.
• This program successfully provided international learning experiences during a pandemic.