Using Complex Synergistic System as a Conceptual Framework in Global Partnership

The purpose of this paper is to translate Complex Synergistic Systems as a conceptual framework in developing nine (9) Internet-enhanced HELP modules for a Train-the-Trainer program in Pittsburgh, Jordan and General Santos City (Philippines). A pilot study on the feasibility of email interaction with 6 mother and child pairs (n=12) seeking court protection from abuse was completed. Results showed that the needs of the study group by mother and child pairs could be categorized into health, education and legal issues. Moreover, the Department of Justice and the CDC identified health, education and legal issues as distinct concepts needing translation into to the care and service provided for survivors of SARA. Constantino and Crane in the US, Mansour and Shishani in Jordan, and Babate in the Philippines collaborated in developing the 9 Internet-enabled HELP modules. We consulted a diverse transdisciplinary group of survivors for general style and content, a physician/psychiatrist and a nurse for Health, an educator for Education, and a lawyer for Legal and law enforcement content to determine principles and learning content/objectives of the highest priority in developing HELP. Also, we used concepts and principles learned from talking to women in similar predicament (violent intimate relationships) who also served as reviewers. One module was emailed each week to the volunteer reviewers and consultants as an attachment. All comments were emailed back to Constantino as a reply or an attachment to their reply. Their feedback uniformly noted a need to simplify the words used in the modules. Respondents also suggested that the module should use complete short sentences; should use simple words; should not include quizzes; should provide ample opportunity for survivors to tell their story; should consistently place telephone numbers for questions regarding the HELP module, counseling and mental health emergencies, and feedback on HELP's timeliness and usefulness.