International partnerships to foster growth in emergency medicine in Romania

• Published in: Canadian journal of emergency medicine Vol. 11; no. 6; pp. 560 - 565
• Main Authors: Krym, Valerie F., Retezar, Rodica, Scott, Steve
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.11.2009; Decker Publishing; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Collaboration; Continuing education; Emergency medical care; Emergency medical services; Emergency medicine; Emergency Medicine - education; Expansion; Goal setting; Growth; Health aspects; Hospitals, University; Humans; International cooperation; International Educational Exchange; International EM • La mu à L'étranger; Medical equipment; Nurses; Ontario; Physiological apparatus; Romania; Training; Ontario; Romania; needs assessment; knowledge transfer; international emergency medicine; Romania; international collaboration
• ISSN: 1481-8035; 1481-8043
• DOI: 10.1017/S1481803500011854

Emergency medicine (EM) is a growing specialty internationally, but has yet to be cultivated in countries with otherwise advanced health care systems. To promote the growth of EM, emergency physicians from countries where EM is a mature specialty can assist with knowledge transfer and development of emergency medical systems to make a lasting impact on the community served. We present our experience in assisting the development of emergency medicine in a university-affiliated regional hospital in Romania. The International Emergency Medicine Fellowship program at the University of Toronto established links in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, in order to provide expertise and assist local leadership to stimulate growth in EM. In October 2005, a 3-member team travelled to Cluj-Napoca to provide input on how to best use a new physical plant, to deliver continuing education to physicians and nurses, and to help establish long-term development goals. The team identified the following priorities through a comprehensive needs assessment: physical plant organization and patient flow, staffing, staff education, equipment, medication and supplies, and infection control practices. In conjunction with local counterparts, a plan was developed addressing each priority. Staff, hospital administration and university officials report positive growth in EM as a result of the collaboration. Further work is underway to implement the plan, including international exchange trips to promote mutual growth between partners.