Teesside academic takes best practice to Tehran

Teesside University Professor Rob McSherry was invited to Iran to share best practice in patient healthcare with international academics and clinicians.

Professor McSherry was asked by the Tehran University of Medical Sciences’ School of Nursing and Midwifery to lead a workshop on practice development. The event was attended by Iranian delegates from nursing, midwifery, medicine, pharmacology and dentistry.

The National Teaching Fellow and Professor of Nursing and Practice Development, who was the only international speaker attending the event, gave a keynote speech on practice development and patient safety, along with presentations on enhancing nursing practice.

Professor McSherry founded the Excellence in Practice Accreditation Scheme (EPAS), a developmental and quality assurance framework designed to demonstrate the level of excellence of care provision. He also co-authored a book which played a pivotal role in Teesside University being invited to provide consultancy to the Hong Kong Hospital Authority (HKHA).

He said: 'It was such an accolade to be asked to lead this event in Tehran. When I received the invitation from Iran it was evident they had researched the work I’d previously done so it’s great to get this recognition.'

Professor McSherry was also appointed as a Visiting Professor by the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, establishing new links with Teesside University. He said: 'This event provided an amazing forum to debate, celebrate and highlight areas for learning, sharing and enhancing clinical governance and patient safety through practice development in healthcare across Iran.

'I was impressed and overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and commitment shown regarding the desire to improve systems and processes aligned to patient safety and quality healthcare. From a practice development point of view, this event was the first of its kind to be held in Iran.'

He added: 'The participants want the same as us, to provide healthcare services which are of outstanding quality. If I can play a role in helping other countries to improve quality in patient care then that is important to me.'

Professor McSherry now hopes further links can be established with the University in Iran through collaborative partnership in international research projects, courses and the EPAS quality framework.

During his visit to Tehran, Professor McSherry also visited a children's medical centre and hospital emergency ward to see examples of best practice and areas where services could be enhanced.

Professor Paul Keane OBE, Dean of Teesside University's School of Health & Social Care, said: 'The is an excellent example, once again led by Professor McSherry, of how Teesside University is promoting and supporting best professional practice in an international arena.'

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