Modern transportation and information technology link all parts of the world. We are a global community in which what impacts health in one country may very well impact health in the United States. Increased travel across national borders promotes the transmission of disease. International travelers may be exposed to diseases that are uncommon or nonexistent in the United States. The health problems of new immigrants to the United States may be different because of living conditions and availability of health care in their native country. The nurse of today and tomorrow needs to have a broader understanding of health and health care that goes beyond the local community and beyond the borders of the United States.
Many nurses are now participating in global health at the international level. They are involved in organizations that promote and provide access to health care in developing countries. They are participating in relief efforts in countries impacted by natural disasters. Nurses are advocating for policies that eliminate health disparities related to poverty, illiteracy, and gender discrimination. They are providing consultation in other countries to help nurses improve their status and to expand their roles through further education. To be effective in these global efforts, nurses must learn about the specific health care needs and health care system of the involved countries as well as learning about the culture of the people.
Ball State University School of Nursing includes Global Health Care as one of the core knowledge concepts in its organizing framework. This concept is defined as care that utilizes knowledge and skills related to the effects of the global community on health, health policy, and health care delivery systems.
The Global Health Watch Map has been designed to provide baccalaureate and master’s nursing students and faculty with a visual resource as they explore the global community and related health care issues. Students and faculty can use the map to learn about:
- The major health concerns in a specific country
- A specific disease or health condition across the globe
- Health issues across the globe for specific populations such as children, reproductive age women, or aging adults
- Similarities and differences in health and health care in the U.S. and other countries
- The role of nursing in addressing health care needs in different countries
- Global health related websites
- Examples of learning activities for various levels of nursing students
- Some of the data on specific health conditions in various countries includes comparative data for the United States. This information is not intended to imply that the U.S. should be the standard by which we evaluate the health status of another country. The U.S. data is included to provide a familiar context and may be used in assignments where students are asked to explore similarities and differences in health and health care between the U.S. and other countries.
Learning Activities
Related Websites
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