Partners HealthCare launches year-long global initiative in support of International Nurses Day 2015

BOSTON, May 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of International Nurses Day, Partners HealthCare International® (PHI) this week announced a year-long global initiative that will focus on nurses as a force for change in improving health care quality, efficiency, education, and work environment. "Nurses represent the largest percent of our global healthcare workforce and their ability to lead, influence and impact improvements cannot be underestimated," said Elizabeth Brown, Director of Nursing and Global Programs for PHI. This year's theme for International Nurses Day is "Nurses Force for Change: Care Effective, Cost Effective," and PHI is kicking off activities by launching a digital library (www.partners.org/international/forceforchange2015) that highlights global partnerships, projects and initiatives driven by the nurses from Partners HealthCare member hospitals, including Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the network's affiliated community hospitals and departments.

According to the International Council of Nurses (ICN), sponsors of International Nurses Day, "nurses are part of the solution to achieve better health for all in a care effective, cost effective way." The World Health Organization (WHO) reports the average number of nurses per population across the world is estimated to be 29 for every 10,000 people, yet this rate differs drastically across countries and regions, challenging the safe, effective delivery of patient care. Lower nurse staffing, increased workloads, and unstable nursing unit environments are linked to negative patient outcomes ranging from falls to medication errors, [For more on worldwide nursing trends, see Global Nursing by the Numbers]. As a result, nurses from the bedside to the boardroom are working to make a positive impact to improve how nurses are educated and how care is delivered.

As part of the year-long initiative, Partners is demonstrating how nurses across the world are embracing this year's theme. "Nurses globally are working to strengthen competencies as health care delivery becomes more complex, are being recognized as a valued member of the care team, and are dedicated to improving working conditions and the quality of care and patient safety," said Brown.

For nearly 20 years PHI has had the opportunity to partner with global health care organizations for bilateral sharing of best practices to improve the critical skills of their nurses with the goal of providing safe, high-quality patient care. In its work with clients, PHI engages the vast expertise and knowledge available throughout the Partners nursing community. "We invite the global nursing community to visit the digital library throughout the year and see how nurses are working to help innovate and shape the future of nursing," said Brown.

About Partners HealthCare International
Partners HealthCare International (PHI) is the global arm of Partners HealthCare, one of the leading not-for-profit health care systems in the U.S. Founded in 1997, PHI is dedicated to advancing the Partners HealthCare mission worldwide through collaborations and partnerships designed to expand a global client's capacity to deliver high quality health care. Partners was founded in 1994 by Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, the two oldest and largest teaching hospitals of Harvard Medical School, and includes community and specialty hospitals, a managed care organization, a physician network, community health centers, home care and other health-related entities. Partners' five top-ranked hospitals comprise part of the health care system, and all are recognized by the 2014 - 2015 U.S. News and World Report. To learn more about PHI and how we are extending the capabilities of healthcare systems worldwide, visit www.partners.org/international.

For More Information Contact
Stephanie Adams
Phone: 001-617-535-6478
E-mail: [email protected]
www.partners.org/international/forceforchange2015

SOURCE Partners HealthCare International

Related Links

http://www.partners.org/international