SPECIAL SESSION: Global Advisory Panel on the Future of Nursing (GAPFON): Recommendations, Strategies, and Outcomes

Description/Overview: During this session, GAPFON’s purpose will be discussed, as will the initial outcomes and recommendations from the global meetings held to date in Southeast Asia/Pacific Rim, the Caribbean, and Latin-Central America. Strategic action plans based on measurable outcomes will be discussed, along with recommendations developed regarding the process of consensus building among all stakeholders to identify key issues by region from a cultural and political perspective. The purpose of GAPFON, established by Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), is to advance nursing’s global voice and vision in the context of global health, engaging nurses to lead the formation of health and social policy. To lead local, regional and global change effectively, nurses must be recognized for their knowledge and expertise by key global organizations and governments. As a global initiative, GAPFON will invite thought leaders who can influence change, including ministers of health, chief nurses, regulatory bodies, nursing associations and educational institutions to participate in seven global regional meetings during 2015-2016. (As noted, three such meetings will have occurred by the time this session takes place.) Examples of stakeholders include STTI, ICN, WHO and the UN. These meetings will serve as a catalyst to stimulate collaboration advancing positive global health strategies, strengthening nursing and enhancing health outcomes worldwide. Recommendations are expected to address leadership, policy, workforce, work environment, education, MDG’s/SDG’s, and NCD’s.