Distance Education to Prepare Nursing Faculty in Eritrea: Diffusion of an Innovative Model of Midwifery Education

The World Health Organization has identified 56 countries with critical health care provider shortages. This article describes an innovative collaboration between Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, and the University of Asmara, Eritrea, aimed at increasing the number of qualified nursing faculty in Eritrea. Eritrean graduate nursing students used distance education technologies and in-country clinical support to complete a program of study that prepared them for an advanced practice nursing and faculty role. The 10 students were all highly successful and graduated in 4 semesters. These students and the Stony Brook faculty who supported them from the United States provided feedback and recommendations for future programming. The article provides key recommendations to other universities considering distance education collaboration to help build nursing capacity in developing countries. First, ensure bilateral understanding of the differences between the health care and educational systems in the partner countries. Second, select appropriate educational technology considering both technical and human factors. Third, ensure that students and faculty are sufficiently prepared for success. Fourth, maintain a strong focus on clinical education. Finally, remain flexible through program implementation, working together with students to adjust the program to address local needs and challenges.