Open education resources support WHO nurse educator competencies

A recent article by BHP Director Alex Berland and colleagues is now available in a publisher version through Research Gate. It describes an innovative approach to tackling the shortage of qualified nurse educators, which is a major constraining factor or ‘bottle‐neck’ to improve the global supply of nurses, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries. To address this specific challenge, one of BHP’s partners, Nurses International, has developed Open Education Resources [NI-OER] to support nurse educators with freely accessible curriculum materials and remote mentoring support.

Some of the original curriculum materials were developed by BHP volunteers at the IUBAT College of Nursing in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The paper analyzes how the NI‐OER could assist nursing colleges and individual faculty members in meeting the WHO Nurse Educator Core Competencies. The article concludes, “Technological solutions cannot solve all aspects of a complex problem like the global nursing shortage but… the NI‐OER appears to have the potential to support novice nurse educators with accessible, adaptable resources.”

Tackling non-communicable disease

Farm-workers take a break from harvesting for a blood sugar check

In Bangladesh over 10 million adults live with diabetes and this number continues to rise. In rural areas it is difficult to deliver screening programs due to shortage of health care providers and outreach is often non-existent. Rabiul Islam, head of Oasis for Posterity recently sent photos from the weekly paramedic program offered by the OfP Healthcare Centre.

OfP volunteers are also learning how to use a glucometer

A trained paramedic, supported by BHP, provides blood glucose tests and prevention advice for Balagram community members in their homes and workplaces. She also trains OfP volunteers who can offer basic follow-up care at the chronic illness drop-in clinic held in OfP’s vocational college nearby.

Outreach services improve access to services for working people

Palliative care pioneers honoured

For many years, Kath and Ted Murray, founders of Life and Death Matters have supported BHP efforts by supplying educational materials related to palliative care. These materials were used at IUBAT College of Nursing and Sajida Foundation in Dhaka, Bangladesh helping to raise awareness and improve palliative care practices in that country.

Recently, Kath and Ted were awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for their outstanding contributions to palliative care education in Canada. This prestigious honour recognizes their decades of work in developing and delivering high-quality, competency-based palliative care curriculum for Personal Support Workers and for nurses, as well support materials for educators.

One of the award nominees writes, “From foundational textbooks to innovative e-learning programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives, Kath and Ted’s work has made an undeniable impact in … advancing person-centered, culturally responsive, and evidence-based palliative care.” Some of the educational materials on the Life and Death Matters website are available without charge and you can also subscribe for tips, insights, and updates on palliative care.