Working in global health: A planning and implementation framework for international electives

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Global Health
• International Electives

Background:

• International electives offer valuable learning experiences for medical students.
• Planning and execution of these electives, especially in resource-limited settings, require careful consideration.
• Ensuring the well-being of both students and host communities is paramount.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a structured framework for planning and undertaking international electives.
• To provide guidance for undergraduate medical students and their supervisors.
• To assist in preparing students for clinical or research electives in remote and rural areas.

Main Methods:

• Reflection and documentation of experiences by two undergraduate medical students.
• Conducting maternal health and well-being research in remote Indian communities.
• Development of a three-phase framework: pre-departure, in-country, and post-elective.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive framework for international electives in remote/rural settings is presented.
• The framework addresses factors to ensure 'do no harm' principles for students and communities.
• Key phases include pre-departure planning, in-country engagement, and return debriefing.

Conclusions:

• Home institutions must provide pre-departure training, support, and debriefing for international electives.
• Electives require evaluation for social accountability and to prevent harm to vulnerable host communities.
• Sustainability of interventions relies on building upon previous positive student experiences.