Vision of hope: a nursing perspective on global health for populations with complex life circumstances

Abstract

Motivation to use the concept of complex life circumstances in nursing research

Complex life circumstances refer to social determinants of health that contribute to inequities among underserved populations, increasing their susceptibility to poor health outcomes. These circumstances include homelessness, substance use, being HIV positive or at risk, violence, trauma, and low socioeconomic status, among other indicators.^(1,2) Populations living in such circumstances are more susceptible to harmful experiences associated with health, social, and climate disadvantages.⁽¹⁾

We describe our international Brazil-Canada nursing academic-knowledge exchange collaboration aimed at generating nursing care solutions for people living with complex life circumstances. This collaboration creates a Community of Practice that facilitates multidirectional mentoring, team flourishing, and co-empowerment.

Globally, Communities of Practice yield favorable research and academic outcomes.^(2–4)  Silverstein et al. utilized a global health practice to maximize the competencies of healthcare professionals working with vulnerable populations.⁽³⁾ These practices decreased professional isolation, improved peer collaboration, and advanced clinical knowledge and best practices through strong partnerships.⁽³⁾ Fruchtman et al. described the creation of a digital community of practice as a strategy to decolonize global health partnerships, fostering multidirectional peer-to-peer learning and coproduction of knowledge.⁽⁴⁾

Our vision of hope leverages our team’s strengths and nursing solutions to improve the health of perinatal women and older adults living in complex life situations in Brazil and Canada.

Approach between countries to disseminate the concept of complex life circumstances in nursing research

While contributing to global health and nursing knowledge, our team recognizes that visibility and collaboration can advance conversations on complex life circumstances among perinatal women and older adults at micro, macro-regional, national, and international levels, beyond scientific publications. We believe it is essential to unite academic and community study groups to disseminate innovation transversally. Through our collaborative Brazil-Canada project, we prioritize fostering mutual learning and international dialogues on living with complex life circumstances.

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