Web sites are a major resource for health-related information in America. In Norway, however, that isn't the case, even though the country is technologically advanced. That's what prompted Anne Moen, a registered nurse who recently earned a Ph.D. in nursing science at the University of Oslo, to apply for a Fulbright Scholar grant.

"This is an area receiving much attention in Norway, yet little research has been published there. I wanted to gain first-hand insight into issues and successful methodologies used in a U.S. setting and determine if they could be adapted to a Norwegian setting," she says. "Web-based medical information is a valuable tool for patients and caregivers who are managing chronic disorders, as well as acute episodes. And the communications arena encourages establishing and maintaining peer networks and message exchanges with health-care professionals. This resource allows for 'just-in-time' access to information, rather than the 'one-size-fits-all' approach."

Moen asked to be placed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison after she learned from a colleague that the nursing program there is one of the best in the country. She worked with Dr. Patricia Flatley Brennan, a professor at the College of Engineering and the School of Nursing. Moen looked at the school's work in consumer informatics. Moen also had the opportunity to work with the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Wisconsin, which complemented her understanding of the issues involved in developing applications that support the health-care consumer. She also worked with a team investigating how people handle health-care information at home, taking a lead role in the development of an information analysis strategy.

Although she worked long hours and was often on her own as a single woman, she says she "had a ball." She traveled to Salt Lake City for the Olympic games as well as to San Francisco and to Hawaii during breaks. "It is important to keep in mind that you are your own best friend when you go abroad," she says. "Going places alone is not really a problem because Americans are friendly and will include you in things."

This was not Moen's first visit to the United States. She came as a delegate in the international 4-H Youth Exchange program in 1981 and as a Fulbright scholar in 1998. She found the country much changed after the September 11 attacks. "I have not experienced such patriotism before," she says, referring in particular to the widespread use of flags and national symbols. "I was very saddened by what happened, but the strength and spirit of the American people are amazing."

Moen believes she gained enough experience in the design, development and assessment of Web-based health information services during her sixmonth stay that she now believes similar models can work in Norway. "I feel much more confident to engage in scholarly discussions and develop ideas, raise concerns and questions," she says. "I am also much more aware of the importance of cultural sensitivity and mutual respect in international collaborations. I am in the process of establishing research collaborations between the University of Oslo and Dr. Brennan and her group."

Moen adds that the Fulbright Scholar Program has played a significant role in her professional development, ever since she was a student nurse. She reports that U.S. Fulbright Scholars visit regularly and have even helped to develop its doctoral education program. "In many ways I, as a young scholar, am a product of the continued Fulbright efforts," she says. "This is an important example of the value of the of exchange programs, even beyond personal experiences. And I made many friends, with whom I keep in touch. This is important to me, as I am a minority in Norway, a doctor of nursing who is responsible for securing support for nursing research. The traditional role is to assist and facilitate others. The Fulbright program has smoothed the way for me."

Moen reports that she gave something to her U.S. colleagues, as well, when she contributed a paper, "Scandinavian Perspective to Information Systems Design," in Wisconsin, an area of the country that is home to a great many Scandinavian immigrants.

Moen says the real challenges are to integrate the Fulbright experience in daily, ongoing work and to pursue experiences where various perspectives enhance and drive the science forward. "I plan to do exactly that," she affirms.

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