Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Case Study and Global Perspective on Foundations of Inter-professional and Clinical Education

Abstract

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) may involve a combination of lifelong and complex behavioral effects, physical defects, and learning disabilities, in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. Emerging digital tools coupled with a keen awareness of the need for global cooperation, offer the potential for academic and clinical collaboration on subjects such as FASD, forging healthcare partnerships, and inter-professional education among diverse partners around the world. This article on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) describes a successful inter-professional partnership and clinical educational program between health care faculty, students, and community members; and extends the reach between two US institutions representing nursing, medicine, and family and child development; and a university in Vietnam, representing nursing, medicine, and pharmacy. An educational face-to-face and virtual presentation on FASD was conducted at a US institution, utilizing a synchronous interactive presentation on site at CSUSB; with virtual interaction occurring with colleagues from other campuses in the USA, and global partners in Vietnam. The interdisciplinary and international event included over 200 attendees from multiple sites, and provided continuing professional education units; The Department of Nursing, the Center for Health Equity, and the Institute for Child Development. The educational program led to a presentation at a regional nursing science meeting in the United States, and a tool for implications for FASD education across the lifespan. Access to FASD and other health education topics has far-reaching clinical, preventative, and inter-professional educational benefits, with equity and access provided using a blended webinar approach.