The Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya (FIKES UB) once again held the 5th International Nursing and Health Sciences Symposium on October 19-20, 2024. This symposium carried the theme “Global Perspectives on Cultural Competence in Health Services” and was attended by health experts, academics, and practitioners from various countries.
This event was held in a hybrid manner and was the result of collaboration with several leading universities such as Manchester University (UK), Yonsei University (South Korea), Taipei Medical University (Taiwan), and Zainal Abidin Islamic University (Malaysia). In addition, the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and STIKES Rajekwesi Bojonegoro also acted as co-hosts.
The symposium was attended by 154 participants, consisting of 139 domestic participants and 15 foreign participants from Malaysia, the Philippines, and Japan. A total of 118 scientific articles were presented in this seminar, which will later be published in international journals indexed by Scopus, national journals indexed by SINTA 2, and ISBN-based Proceedings.
The Chief Executive, Dr. Ns. Heri Kristanto., S.Kep., M.Kep., Sp.Kep.MB said that after the Covid-19 pandemic, people have become more independent and proactive in their health interests. Therefore, health services must also adapt by making several changes in their services. One of them is the need to increase awareness for patients to carry out independent care on an ongoing basis.
“Through this conference, it was reviewed how to persuade patients and the community to be more independent and active in carrying out continuous self-care in dealing with health problems with a cultural competence aspect approach,” explained Heri.
The event was filled with various presentation sessions and interactive discussions, providing opportunities for participants to share experiences and innovative ideas. Keynote speakers from various backgrounds also provided views on the importance of cultural competence in health services.
The speakers for this symposium were Ummu Ditya Erliana, S.Gz, PhD, RDN, CLC (Lecturer at the Department of Nutrition, FIKES UB), Assoc. Prof. Aryati Ahmad, PhD (Managing Director at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia), Helen Brooks, PhD. MRes BSc (Senior Lecturer and Head of the Mental Health Research Group in the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom, Dr. Ns. Heni Dwi Windarwati, S.Kep., M.Kep. SpKep.J (Lecturer in Mental Health, FIKES UB), Prof. Lee Hyeonkyeong, BS, MS, PhD (Community Health Nursing, Global Health, Yonsei University, South Korea), and Prof. Jane C-J Chao (Professor, School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan). In addition, Prof. Leila S Africa from the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) Philippines also became an external reviewer of the INHSS participant articles.
The theme of cultural competence is very relevant, considering that health is a universal basic need, but the approach to care is often influenced by the cultural background of each individual. By prioritizing cultural competence in health services, it is hoped that a more empathetic and effective care environment will be created, which will ultimately improve the quality of service and patient welfare worldwide. [HK/Irene/UB PR/ Trans. Iir]
