HVO SITE SELECTION PROCESS
HVO is approached on a regular basis by various institutions and organizations interested in starting a new program, however only a few of these requests meet our criteria and are appropriate given our focus on education and training. The HVO program model has been well tested over the years and has proven to be very successful.
So, how does HVO select a new site for its programs? Over the years we have found that requests for new programs come from three main sources. The first source is referrals by volunteers who are aware of an institution in need of educational support. Secondly, we frequently are approached by colleagues overseas who have worked with HVO at another facility, often in another country. For example, a physician in Ethiopia might mention the presence of HVO to a colleague from a neighboring country who then comes to HVO to express an interest. A third source is referrals by our sponsors.
The Scope of HVO Programs
It is generally recognized now that one of the most serious systemic problems in the delivery of health services in developing countries is the lack of appropriately trained health care providers. The World Health Organization focused on this problem in its 2006 World Health Report, Working Together for Health.
There are limited resources in developing countries to support the training and education of health care professionals. Educational materials that we take for granted (textbooks, journals, access to the Internet, models, charts, slides, etc.) are usually not available or woefully out of date. There are few, if any, opportunities for continuing education for clinicians in the field and no real opportunities for faculty development. Health care providers often work in isolation, unable to network or communicate with other professionals in nearby countries faced with similar problems and constraints.
The opportunities for HVO program development, therefore, are extremely broad in scope. HVO programs may focus on:
- introducing new clinical content to faculty, clinicians or students;
- introducing new teaching methodologies to faculty or updating curriculum;
- introducing new ways of delivering care such as a multi-disciplinary approach to wound care management or rehabilitation;
- providing continuing education to clinicians in the field;
- providing opportunities for professional development through interaction with the local professional association
- defining professional roles and responsibilities
- providing consultation on the development of standards of care
- providing consultation on the development of ethical standards
- mentoring students, clinicians, faculty;
- assisting with updating academic training;
- teaching practical techniques;
- providing stimulus and initiative to adopt new clinical decision-making strategies;
- promoting locally sustainable educational sessions or materials;
- supporting the development of clinical research capabilities;
- training supportive personnel.
The key is to assess what the educational needs and priorities are and to determine what type of program would best meet these needs.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
If you are affiliated with a health-related institution or facility in an emerging economy and are interested in learning more about having an HVO program at your site, click here.