Annie Lewis-O’Connor, seventh from left, among presenters for an international healthcare conference in Guangzhou, China.

Annie Lewis-O’Connor, PhD, NP-BC, MPH, FAAN, director of Research and Innovation for the Center for Nursing Excellence, was invited to visit Guangzhou, China, to deliver a presentation on “The History and Evolution of Nursing Research” with the Mass General Brigham Global Advisory team.

As part of a collaborative relationship between MGB and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (FAHSYSU) that began in 2020, subject matter experts across the MGB system have worked closely with peers from FAHSYSU to share best practices and provide guidance in clinical medicine, research, education and training. Lewis-O’Connor shares her reflections on the time she spent with nurses at FAHSYSU and their mutual sharing and learning about best practices for patient care.

By Annie Lewis-O’Connor, PhD, NP-BC, MPH, FAAN
Director, Research and Innovation, Center for Nursing Excellence

Meeting nurses and team members at FAHSYSU

Last fall, I had the opportunity to travel to Guangzhou, China, with the Mass General Brigham Global Advisory team.

I was asked to present on the history and evolution of nursing research at the International Conference on High-level Hospital Development, “Revolutionizing Healthcare Systems with Innovation,” at the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (FAHSYSU).

I learned just as much as I shared, if not more, from the many nurses and colleagues I met with at the hospital.

Over the course of four days, I visited 10 inpatient clinical units, with an incredibly warm reception from the teams as I stepped off the elevator onto each unit.

Wearing my new nursing shoes!

As a gesture of kindness, they even offered me a pair of comfortable nursing shoes. I happily replaced my pumps and wore these new shoes (shown at right) with pride!

The clinical nurses on each unit delivered impressive oral presentations, highlighting their best practices, metrics, results and conclusions. Following these presentations, I toured each unit and spoke with the staff and patients who were keen to meet a nurse who had traveled so far.

I witnessed the impeccable care delivered, infinite compassion and unwavering team approach that every patient received. It was an enlightening experience.

A patient using a bed bicycle

From these visits, I learned so much.

For example, I discovered the use of bed bicycles post-operatively, which revealed a significant decrease in pulmonary emboli, pneumonia, infection and length of stay. I also witnessed yoga classes conducted on the units and the use of acupuncture for pain management, along with the associated data on pain control. I even had the chance to receive acupuncture myself!

I was humbled to deliver Nursing Grand Rounds and present at the international conference, which received 2.6 million remote log-ins.

Upon my return, I reflected on the wealth of experience, diverse perspectives and unique practices that emerge when we share with each other. Nurses from different

Yoga on the units

regions can offer fresh insights, innovative solutions and valuable lessons that can enhance our collective understanding and improve patient care globally.

By collaborating and exchanging ideas, we can build a stronger, more connected nursing community that transcends geographical boundaries. This not only enriches our professional growth but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among nurses worldwide.

Lastly, I wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation for the wonderful opportunity to learn and share with colleagues from afar. Together, our collective knowledge can have a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients and the future of nursing.

 

Presenting at Nursing Grand Rounds