Improving competencies and skills across clinical contexts of care: a qualitative study on Malawian nurses' experiences in an institutional health and training programme

Aim: To explore what competencies and skills Malawian nurses gained after participating in an institutional health and training programme in Norway and how they viewed these competencies applicable upon return to Malawi. Furthermore, to examine facilitators and challenges experienced on the exchange programme and opportunities and obstacles to make the competencies usable in own local hospital context. Design: Qualitative study with an explorative design. Methods: Fourteen interviews and one focus group discussion were conducted at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi, from August to September 2018. Results: Competencies gained in Norway included clinical skills, teamwork, coordination and strengthened professionalism. The main finding was that the exchange programme was a transformative experience. Upon return to Malawi, the competencies gained on the exchange were helpful. However, the return was characterized by mixed emotions due to the considerable difference between the two clinical settings.