Abstract
This article outlines the experiences of a staff development educator in preparing for an international staff development consultation. Sections on preparing for travel and for the actual consultation visit provide suggestions in each of these areas. The consultation is described in terms of work done before, during, and after the visit. This information will be helpful to staff development educators considering an international consultation.
Consultation has been defined as providing advice to others (Puetz & Shinn, 1997). Rosenkoetter (1997) stated, "The role of today's nurse consultant involves sharing information, exchanging ideas, learning from the host country, and being creative, innovative, and flexible in a complex, changing global environment" (p. 182). In her framework for international healthcare consultation, Rosenkoetter described the consultant's focus on mutual understanding, reciprocal learning, sociocultural exchange and collaboration, and consensual deliberation, with the ultimate goals of progressive growth and development for both the host country and the consultant.
McCutcheon and Perkin (1996) outlined the consultant's role and the client's role in the consultation process. The client's role is to (a) identify vision, goals, and expected outcomes; (b) identify required consultant characteristics; (c) determine the need for an internal or external consultant; (d) determine available human and fiscal resources; (e) develop a screening tool; (f) identify candidates; (g) obtain approval, if required; (h) review and sign the contract; (i) maintain active involvement in the entire process; and (j) implement action plans.
The consultant's role is to (a) determine fit with client; (b) assist client to describe vision, goals, and expected outcomes; (c) develop a proposal to include expectations, work involved, and budget; (d) develop and sign the contract; (e) collaborate with client throughout work process; (f) maintain a focus on desired goals and outcomes; and (g) end client/consultant relationship when the contract is complete.
The University of Beirut Medical Center in Beirut, Lebanon, was seeking a consultant to (a) evaluate the current staff development department, (b) identify strategies to implement the transition to a hospital-wide education department, (c) assist in developing competencies, (d) identify educational needs of various personnel, and (e) review organizational compliance with education standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
The steps in this process may vary based on the specific consultation. With international consultation, the client's and consultant's roles were discussed and clarified via fax communication and no formal contract was signed. A letter of agreement provided the basis for the consultant's work.