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International partnerships to foster growth in emergency medicine in Romania

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

Valerie F. Krym*
Affiliation:
Centre for International Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont. Department of Emergency Services, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont.
Rodica Retezar
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
Steve Scott
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Services, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont.
*
Department of Emergency Services, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Ave., Toronto ON M4N 3M5; [email protected]

Abstract

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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.

Type
International EM • La mu à L'étranger
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2009

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