Experiences of Irish general practice trainees who participate in 4-month rotations in Malawi and Australia

International health electives provide doctors and medical students with unique educational experiences. The HSE South East GP training programme in Waterford, Ireland has run a four-month elective to Malawi since 2006, and also ran a four-month placement in Australia between 2004 and 2011.

The aim of this study was to see whether these overseas electives provide Irish GP trainees with any positive or negative experiences, and to make recommendations regarding future similar rotations abroad.

This study used the Delphi survey technique, a qualitative research method. The first round questionnaire asked about challenges faced while overseas, what the trainees learned, and how the placement influenced their clinical practice on their return to Ireland. Doctors were also asked about the benefits and/or limitations of an overseas placement during GP training.

These Irish GP trainees reported very positive outcomes from time spent in Malawi and Australia. They reported improved knowledge and skills, and increased awareness of health issues and cultural differences in another country. Moreover, they had an opportunity to reflect and grow personally as doctors.

This is the first study looking at an international health elective as part of a vocational training programme in Ireland.