Exploring Pediatric Healthcare Initiatives of Non-Governmental Organizations in Low-and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract

Objective: To explore and describe how healthcare non-governmental organizations provide and evaluate programs and services that result in positive and sustainable health outcomes in children and adolescents living in low-and middle-income countries and to better understand the role of nursing within these organizations. Scoping Review: A scoping review informed by the Arksey & O’Malley framework was completed to explore the research on the delivery of pediatric health services by non-governmental organizations in low-and middle-income countries. Qualitative Study: Semi-structured interviews were conducted to share the voices and experiences of stakeholders working in the field of NGO practice to provide clarity, further insight and depth to the results from the scoping review and broaden the understanding of the role of nursing on this topic. Conclusions: Despite variability in practice and a multitude of competing priorities, outcome evaluation is growing within the field of pediatric NGO practice, and progress is being made towards evaluation of broader health outcomes besides unidimensional health indicators or outputs. Nurses can play a significant role in improving pediatric NGO program development and evaluation practices and are well positioned to be global health leaders who can influence policy and practice for the achievement of positive and sustainable health outcomes in children and adolescents in low-and middle-income countries.