Open AccessPerspectives and Solutions from Clinical Trainees and Mentors Regarding Ethical Challenges During Global Health Experiences
Author(s) -
Jennifer Kasper,
Anita Mulye,
Ashti Doobay-Persaud,
Brittany Seymour,
Brett D. Nelson
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
annals of global health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.602
H-Index - 66
ISSN - 2214-9996
DOI - 10.5334/aogh.2721
Subject(s) - humility , feeling , focus group , ethical dilemma , medical education , interpersonal communication , psychology , global health , ethical standards , medicine , nursing , public health , social psychology , sociology , political science , engineering ethics , anthropology , law , engineering
Background: Clinical trainees face challenges throughout short-term experiences in global health (STEGH) that are not routinely addressed. Objectives: Describe common professional and ethical dilemmas faced by clinical trainees and identify gaps and solutions for pre, during, and post-STEGH training and mentoring. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study among trainees and mentors involved in global health. The study utilized focus groups with trainees (November–December 2015) and online surveys of trainees, in-country and stateside faculty mentors (October 2016–April 2017). Results: 85% (17/20) of students reported feeling prepared for their STEGH; however, 59% (23/39) of faculty felt students were unprepared. A majority of both students (90%) and faculty (77%) stated students would likely experience an ethical dilemma during STEGH. Major themes relating to meaningful global health work were elucidated: personal and inter-professional skills; interpersonal networks and collaboration; and awareness of power dynamics and bias. Conclusions: The most common challenges faced by trainees during STEGH related to leadership, bias, ethics and interprofessional collaboration. Redirecting trainee energies from a focus on ‘doing’ and deliverables to attitudes (e.g., humility, professionalism) that cultivate personal and professional growth will help create lifelong global health learners and leaders.