Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Supervisor

Dr. Ruth Martin

Abstract

Health systems are beginning to recognize the tremendous opportunity that globalization and international activities present for Academic Health Science Centres. This study explored the nature of international agreements within Ontario Academic Health Science Centres (OAHSC) and presents the exploratory findings to begin to develop an academically defensible body of literature on the topic. This study employed a constructivist grounded theory qualitative methodology, interviewing 14 participants who hold leadership positions within OAHSCs that actively participate in, or interface with, institutions that participate in international agreements (IAs). A conceptual framework is proposed that highlights the: (1) drivers, (2) barriers, (3) international activities, and (4) benefits for Ontario, that are associated with the IAs within OAHSCs. The findings highlight that IAs that are common to OAHSCs typically are either: humanitarian or business development in nature, in both cases, are focused on building health system capacity in the host country. Generally, IAs focus on three deliverables: (1) needs assessments, (2) advisory services, and (3) education training, however, in some instances, OAHSCs are starting to pursue licensing and third-party management of hospitals abroad as a part of the business development strategy.

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