Background/Purpose: Study abroad programs, through international exchanges in undergraduate nursing schools, are becoming common in response to a globalized world and imperative for nurses to acquire cultural awareness and related competencies. Increased recognition of exchanges exists, with limited empirical evaluation of learning outcomes. The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of a short-term international exchange on Portuguese and American nursing students in respect to its influence on learning. Methods: A mixed-method research design was utilized for data collection. Online survey (demographic data and revised HPSISN tool) and focus group data collection using synchronous chat groups captured nursing student experiences and perceptions about their participation in a two-sided exchange. Results: Focus group data from sixteen nursing students (aged 20-39) delineated two major themes: 1) Expectations of the student exchange with three subthemes: a) motivations to participate, b) met versus unmet expectations, and c) beyond expectations; and, 2) Learning (how and what) with six subthemes: a) understanding cultural differences, b) recognizing a different health care system, c) reconsidering the role of the nurse, d) building team work, e) integrating theory into practice, and f) peer mutual learning. Survey data across the four dimensions: 1) Perspectives of exchange, 2) attitude toward community involvement, 3) future professional work and, 4) personal reflection exhibited students acquired personal and professional competencies that were beyond their expectations of the exchange. Conclusions: Results strongly support nursing student participation in international exchange programs develops personal growth and professional competencies that may impact future practice when caring for diverse patient populations. Universities should develop and foster global programs for student engagement.

BackgroundImmigration policies can cause significant public health consequences, posing detrimental social and health effects for migrants, their families and communities. Migrants often face obstacles to health due to access, discrimination, language and cultural barriers, legal status, economic difficulties, social isolation, and fear of deportation. The process of deportation has become more rapid and frequent in the U.S. with inadequate health information in the literature regarding this relocated population post-deportation. The PROMIS® Global Health Short Form was used to measure the self-reported QOL, physical and mental health of male deportees from the US to Portugal from 2009 to 2013.FindingsTwenty five males aged 28–64 years who had been deported from the US to Portugal participated in the study. Overall, their EuroQol, Global Physical Health and Global Mental Health Scores were below the established tool mean, with self-reported mental health having the lowest score. Age, marital status, length of time in the US prior to deportation, and length of time since deportation may impact the well-being of deportees post deportation.ConclusionsStudy results suggest the deportees in this study were less healthy than the general population. Future research and tailored initiatives regarding the overall health of deportees, with a focus on quality of life and mental health should be conducted to better understand their impact on reintegration. Overall study scores were lower than mean tool scores indicating the need for more research in this vulnerable group to support clinical practice and health policy to improve their overall QOL and health through intervention work.

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Animais silvestres mantidos sob cuidados humanos podem não estar aptos à soltura, mesmo após intensa união de esforços de uma equipe multidisciplinar composta por Biólogos, Tratadores e Veterinários. O presente relato tem por objetivo apresentar procedimento de orquiectomia em Ouriço-cacheiro (Coendou spinosus), macho, adulto, mantido no Zoológico Municipal de Canoas, na região Sul do Brasil. O procedimento foi realizado devido ao fato de o corpo técnico da instituição não ter interesse na reprodução da espécie, além de estar classificado como em estado de “preocupação mínima” pela IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) em sua lista vermelha de espécies ameaçadas. Após sedação e anestesia geral, o paciente foi submetido ao procedimento por meio da técnica modificada fechada, ao qual foi atribuído êxito, com boa recuperação do animal no pós-cirúrgico.

Abstract:The new challenges that the phenomenon of demographic aging imposes on society in general, and health services in particular, can impact active and healthy aging. The project was implemented for two years (2012/2013) and aimed to combat loneliness in the elderly, which constitutes an obstacle to healthy and active aging. Decrease the sense of loneliness of individuals from 65 to 84 years of age, the project was made by using the health planning methodology, starting with a descriptive study (health diagnosis of the independent elderly population) followed by the development, implementation and evaluation of a community intervention project, which included home visits to the elderly, assessment of the level of loneliness in two different times (UCLA scale) and various intergenerational activities of social life (dancing, walking, online courses, games...) using a cross-section of partnerships and community involvement. There was a decrease from 62.8% to 41.9% in the reported overall feeling of loneliness of independent individuals between the ages of 65 and 84 years of age. There was an increase from 50.0% to 86.4% of seniors who now have dreams/life projects. The reduction of social and emotional isolation resulted in the promotion of social networks, which not only encouraged social interaction but also considered the elderly who live alone. The health gains arising from it are evidenced in contributing more proactively and the improvement of the quality of life in the elderly community.