Publication Date
8-31-2022
Journal
International Journal of Medical Education
DOI
10.5116/ijme.62eb.94fa
PMID
36057978
PMCID
PMC9911141
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
8-31-2022
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
Education, Medical, Graduate, Global Health, Health Personnel, Humans, Students, Global health, education, graduate medical education, virtual, pandemic
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To synthesize recent virtual global health education activities for graduate medical trainees, document gaps in the literature, suggest future study, and inform best practice recommendations for global health educators.
METHODS: We systematically reviewed articles published on virtual global health education activities from 2012-2021 by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ERIC, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I. We performed bibliography review and search of conference and organization websites. We included articles about primarily virtual activities targeting for health professional trainees. We collected and qualitatively analyzed descriptive data about activity type, evaluation, audience, and drivers or barriers. Heterogeneity of included articles did not lend to formal quality evaluation.
RESULTS: Forty articles describing 69 virtual activities met inclusion criteria. 55% of countries hosting activities were high-income countries. Most activities targeted students (57%), with the majority (53%) targeting trainees in both low- to middle- and high-income settings. Common activity drivers were course content, organization, peer interactions, and online flexibility. Common challenges included student engagement, technology, the internet, time zones, and scheduling. Articles reported unanticipated benefits of activities, including wide reach; real-world impact; improved partnerships; and identification of global health practice gaps.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first review to synthesize virtual global health education activities for graduate medical trainees. Our review identified important drivers and challenges to these activities, the need for future study on activity preferences, and considerations for learners and educators in low- to middle-income countries. These findings may guide global health educators in their planning and implementation of virtual activities.
Included in
COVID-19 Commons, Digestive System Diseases Commons, Epidemiology Commons, Gastroenterology Commons, Hepatology Commons, Interprofessional Education Commons, Medical Sciences Commons