Population health in a global society: Preparing nurses for the future

• Published in: Public health Nursing Vol. 39; no. 5; pp. 1098 - 1106
• Main Authors: Walton, AnnMarie Lee, Nikpour, Jacqueline A., Randolph, Schenita D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-09-2022
• Subjects: COVID-19; Curriculum; Domains; Global Health; Globalization; graduate nursing education; Health care; Humans; Nurses; Nursing; Pandemics; Population; Population Health; Public health; global health; graduate nursing education; population health
• ISSN: 0737-1209; 1525-1446
• DOI: 10.1111/phn.13081

Background
The COVID‐19 pandemic has reinforced awareness that the health of populations is inextricably linked around the globe. Nurses require increased knowledge and preparation in global health. Nursing educators need examples of how to improve content in the curriculum.
Aims
The purpose of this paper is to describe reconceptualization of a master's level nursing course entitled “Population Health in a Global Society” to include global health competencies.
Methods
We identified four global health competencies within the following three domains: globalization of health and healthcare; collaboration, partnering, and communication; and sociocultural and political awareness.
Implementation
We utilized guest lectures, a panel discussion, discussion forums and an independent research assignment. The methods used were well received by students, and the content delivered improved their perceived knowledge in global population health.
Discussion
The global health domains and competencies provided a roadmap for improving our course to focus on population health from a global perspective.
Conclusion
In order to prepare nurses to contribute to global population health, population health courses should integrate global health competencies. The content of the revised course will better prepare nurses who will practice in a wide variety of settings and is designed for interdisciplinary education.