J. Olsen

L.B. Glickman

V. Rowthorn

Annals of Global Health

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A n n a l s o f G l o b a l H e a l t h , V O L . 8 3 , N O . 1 , 2 0 1 7 Health Systems and Human Resources
J a n u a r y eF e b r u a r y 2 0 1 7 : 1 8 – 5 8
41Measuring the Cross-cultural Adaptability of a Graduate
Student Team from a Global Immersion Experience
L.B. Glickman1, V. Rowthorn2, J. Olsen3; 1University of Maryland,
Baltimore, Maryland, USA, 2University of Maryland Carey School of
Law, Baltimore, MD, USA, 3University of Maryland School of Social
Work, Baltimore, MD, USA
Background: This study measured the cultural competency skills
for two groups of unmatched graduate students to determine if
a global immersion experience improved student cross-cultural
adaptability as a component of cultural competency skill develop-
ment. Experiential learning through global immersion may promote
these skills, needed to meet the healthcare, psychosocial, legal, and
related needs of the 21st century client.
Methods: With a non-randomized cohort design, there were two
groups of unmatched volunteer graduate students with international
travel background from aUSUniversity. One group reviewed an online
educational module, and participated in campus activities and an expe-
rience in Malawi; the other group reviewed the module only. The
students were assessed in the pre- and post-immersion time frames
using the Cross-Cultural Adaptability Inventory (CCAI TM). The
tool, a “culture-general instrument” assessed emotional resilience, flex-
ibility openness, perceptual acuity, and personal autonomy.
Findings: Comparing total scores on the Index pre-immersion (base-
line), there was no significant difference between the groups.
Comparingbothgroups’ total scorespost-immersion, therewasa signif-
icant difference. There was a significant difference for the experimental
group between the pre/post immersion total scores but not for the
control group. Comparing both groups’ post immersion, there was
a significant difference between the groups. Comparing both groups’
component scores, there was a significant difference in emotional resil-
ience andperceptual acuity for the experimental group only.Comparing
both groups’ component scores, there was no significant difference in
the personal autonomy and flexibility openness variable.
Interpretation: This study showed that participation in a 6-week
global immersionexperience compared to educationonlymade agreater
change in the development of cross-cultural adaptability for a graduate
student team. It verified the existing literature for a heterogeneous team
of graduate professional students. This is important information for
future health and human services students who have a passion for inter-
national travel. Educators may consider this information when evalu-
ating the potential global immersion experiences for curricular
planning, for administrators who will focus on the cost-benefit of the
experience, for clinical and community partners and the informed
public who may have an interest in the cultural sensitivity of current
and future healthcare and human services professionals.
Source of Funding: None.
Abstract #: 1.053_HHR
Strengthening Indigenous Training Capacity in Biomedical
Engineering and Technology in Sub-Saharan Africa: A
Replicable Model
K. Utan, S. Goldfrank; American International Health Alliance,
Washington, DC, USAProgram/Project Purpose: In many low-income countries
(LICs), over 95% of medical equipment in hospitals is imported.
Much is out of service, yet could be easily repaired at minimal
cost by trained professionals. A survey of 52 African hospitals con-
ducted by Carleton University in Canada revealed that medical
device maintenance services at 85% of these facilities had trouble
finding qualified engineers and technicians locally. Biomedical engi-
neers and technicians in LICs face similar challenges as other health
cadres: inadequate qualified personnel to meet existing needs,
limited educational opportunities and in-service training, absence
of regulatory bodies, brain drain, and competition with the private
sector for the limited pool of skilled professionals.
Structure/Method/Design: In 2013, the American International
Health Alliance (AIHA) launched the first biomedical partnership
project in sub-Saharan Africa ever supported by the President’s
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to help Ethiopia
meet the demands of its technology-driven healthcare system,
particularly in the context of providing high quality HIV/AIDS-
related diagnostic, treatment, and care services. Using AIHA’s
comprehensive and holistic twinning model, Ethiopian partners at
Jimma Institute of Technology and Tegbar-Id Polytechnic were
linked to US counterpart institutions to rapidly train and deploy
skilled biomedical technicians and provide ongoing in-service
training for practicing professionals. In 2015, Addis Ababa Institute
of Technology joined the partnership.
Outcome & Evaluation: Jimma has graduated 257 biomedical
engineers, with 91% employed at Ethiopian health facilities. Teg-
bare-Id has graduated 261 biomedical technicians, with 95% similarly
employed. Partners conduct annual surveys to determine graduate skill
gaps and have thus far provided training to fill said gaps for 181 grad-
uates and 35 faculty. Partners adapted the curricula from a more theo-
retical approach to problem-based learning, which better prepares
graduates to perform required tasks. Faculty in-service training and
providing skills laboratories have helped partners better integrate
graduates into the healthcare system. Based on the success of this
project, AIHA launched similar partnerships in Kenya and Uganda
in 2015. Responding to local needs and context, these new national-
level projects focus on strengthening in-service training capacity.
Going Forward: Institutional twinning partnerships are an effec-
tive, adaptable method of developing biomedical technology training
capacity in LICs and should be explored to support health systems
and improve quality of care.
Source of Funding: PEPFAR, HRSA, CDC.
Abstract #: 1.054_HHR
Assessment of Acute Obstetrical Needs and Evaluation for
the Role of Point-Of-Care Ultrasound in the North East
Department of Haiti
D. Gomes1, S. kendall1, B. Kaufman1, A. Aluisio2, C.M. Bloem1,
V. Thomas1; 1SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA,
2Brown University Alpert Medical School, Providence, USA
Program/Project Purpose: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)
implemented through task shifting to nontraditional users has


Measuring the Cross-cultural Adaptability of a Graduate Student Team from a Global Immersion Experience

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Measuring the Cross-cultural Adaptability of a Graduate Student Team from a Global Immersion Experience

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