Remote Supervision in Short-Term Global Health Experiences

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Medical Education
• International Development

Background:

• Short-term experiences in global health (STEGH) are under scrutiny for potential negative impacts on host communities.
• Barriers such as institutional requirements limit the availability of qualified supervisors for STEGH.
• Remote supervision is explored as a strategy to address supervision challenges and mitigate STEGH harms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a pilot remote supervision program for Canadian undergraduate students in global health.
• To evaluate the observed outcomes of remote supervision for learners, host communities, and faculty.

Main Methods:

• A pilot remote supervision program was implemented within a global health program.
• Observed outcomes were documented and analyzed from the perspectives of learners, host communities, and faculty.

Main Results:

• Learners reported increased confidence, independence, and perceived project effectiveness, with reassurance from remote supervisors.
• Host communities experienced enhanced trust, empowerment, and better alignment of projects with local needs.
• Faculty appreciated the flexibility and freedom offered by remote supervision, enabling them to balance professional duties.

Conclusions:

• Remote supervision shows potential for mitigating negative impacts of STEGH by providing adequate and appropriate oversight.
• The pilot program suggests remote supervision can strengthen partnerships and improve the quality of global health experiences.
• This model offers a scalable solution for supervision challenges in global health education.