An effort to upgrade perinatal nursing practice in Albania

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Nursing Education
• International Healthcare Partnerships

Background:

• Jacobi Medical Center (New York) and University Hospital (Tirana, Albania) formed a partnership in 1994.
• The collaboration aimed to enhance Albania's healthcare system.
• Focus areas included perinatal care and the professional roles of nursing staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To increase the knowledge base of Albanian nurses regarding critical perinatal care issues.
• To educate Albanian nurses on the functions of nurses and nurse-midwives in the U.S. healthcare system.
• To foster understanding of patient advocacy and educator roles for nurses and nurse-midwives.

Main Methods:

• A 2-week educational exchange program was conducted.
• An American team of nurses and nurse-midwives visited Albania.
• Knowledge transfer focused on perinatal care and U.S. nursing professional roles.

Main Results:

• Albanian nurses' understanding of perinatal care issues was enhanced.
• The program clarified the roles of nurses and nurse-midwives as patient advocates and educators.
• The partnership facilitated a cross-cultural exchange of healthcare knowledge and practices.

Conclusions:

• International partnerships can effectively improve nursing knowledge in specialized areas like perinatal care.
• Educating healthcare professionals on patient advocacy and educator roles is crucial for system improvement.
• The exchange highlighted the value of sharing U.S. nursing models in global health initiatives.