Assessing The Impact of A Partnership‐Based Work/Study Nursing Upgrade Programme in a Low‐ and Middle‐Income Setting.
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Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Clinical Nursing
Abstract
Aims and objectives: To evaluate the 15‐year impact of the work/study nursingupgrading programme in East Africa.Background: Working nurses in Africa are often primary family income earners, withlimited ability to leave jobs and upgrade qualifications. In 2001, the university estab-lished a work/study upgrade programme for enrolled‐ and diploma‐level nurses,allowing them to upgrade their qualifications while continuing to work and supportfamilies. Donor partnerships provided scholarships to further increase programmeaccess.Design: A mixed‐method design was used involving an online alumni survey and 24interviews and 23 focus groups with 172 purposively selected representatives ofnursing graduates, employers, regulatory bodies, professional associations and seniornursing officials.Method: Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and percentages. Induc-tive thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Equator guidelines informedreporting of both qualitative and quantitative results.Results: Of the 549 graduates who completed the survey, 81.2% (n = 446) werefemale, 93.1% were currently employed and 98% worked within East Africa. Theyreported improved professional competence (69.4%), nursing practice (25.9%) andpatient outcomes (4.6%) on graduation. Extracted themes included the following:flexible/accessible programme; friendly learning environment; effective teaching andlearning strategies; acquisition of nursing knowledge, skills and competencies; stake-holders’ role in the programme; career/professional advancement; and strengthenedhealth systems.Conclusion: The work/study programme was an effective nursing workforce capac-ity development strategy. Programme access was strengthened via the supportingdonor partnership. Positive outcomes were achieved with respect to the university'svalues of quality, access, relevance and impact.Relevance to clinical practice: Long‐term sustainable development of nurses andmidwives is fundamental to achieving sustainable development goals. Work/studyprogrammes and private–public partnerships are effective mechanisms to strengthenthe development of nursing and the overall healthcare workforce in low‐resourcesettings
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
capacity building, education, graduates, health Workforce, models, nursing
Citation
Brownie, S., Maina, G. S., Wahedna, A. H., Kambo, I., & Ndirangu, W. E. (2018). Assessing The Impact of A Partnership‐Based Work/Study Nursing Upgrade Programme in a Low‐ and Middle‐Income Setting. Journal of Clinical Nursing