title: Conducting international nursing research: challenges and opportunities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe practical experiences before, during and after gaining entry into research fields in Kenya and Uganda.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Planning, conducting and implementing international research can be an arduous task. Novice researchers need practical guides to accessing international fields and mitigating challenges met in the field.
  
  
  METHODS
  The researchers conducted three different studies in two developing nations.
  
  
  METHODS
  This paper reviews challenges encountered when conducting international research. Solutions used to overcome these challenges are discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Establishing and maintaining effective partnerships is critical to the success of international research efforts. Researchers must be tactful, flexible and creative when handling methodological, ethical and logistical challenges encountered in settings poor in resources.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  International research provides opportunities for increasing dedication, building cross-cultural competence and advancing health professional practice globally.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This paper contributes to nursing scholarship by highlighting the practical challenges of conducting international research. Illustrations aimed at lending insight and encouraging others to expand their dedication to conducting international research are offered.
authors.affiliation: Parkland Health & Hospital System, Dallas, Texas, US.
authors.forename: Jackline Gloria
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Opollo
authors.forename: Diana Alaka
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Opollo
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Lori
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Spies
mesh_terms: D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D003906:Developing Countries; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D007630:Kenya; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D014454:Uganda
keywords: International research; Kenya; Uganda; cross-cultural research; developing countries; global; nursing research; social sciences research