Promoting awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder among health professionals and the public through nursing faculty champions

Abstract

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) affects all communities and is an underestimated problem worldwide and in China. FASD is the most common preventable cause of intellectual disabilities and behavior problems. However, prevention efforts require knowledge about FASD, importantly, the education of health professionals who communicate that knowledge to the public during care administered in diverse practice settings. Implementing a nursing faculty champions (charismatic advocates for FASD prevention belief, practice, program, policy and/or technology) model to advocate for educating Chinese nurses, nursing students, other health professionals, and the public about FASD is a logical, quality-driven, healthcare action. The actions undertaken by one nurse champion, a Capital Medical University Chinese professor, to promote FASD awareness among Chinese health professionals and the public population will be presented. Through this faculty nurse champion, thousands of Chinese health providers and public citizens were educated regarding FASD. Planned next steps include enrolling more Chinese nursing faculty champions, developing nursing curricula at Capital Medical University, and increasing research attention on FASD. Nurse faculty champions are an effective and practical method to promote FASD awareness among Chinese health professionals and the public.