Global surgery for medical students - is it meaningful? A mixed-method study.

Area of Science:

• Global Health Education
• Medical Training
• Surgical Education

Background:

• Increasing global health courses in high-income countries.
• Limited understanding of their impact on medical students.
• Need to assess novel educational formats in global surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess the format of an elective global surgery course.
• Determine the course's effect on students' knowledge of global surgery.
• Evaluate the impact on students' approach to non-Swedish patients.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods design combining qualitative and quantitative data.
• Semi-structured interviews with 18 students analyzed via qualitative content analysis.
• Statistical analysis of examination scores and course evaluations.

Main Results:

• Students appreciated the course, gaining insights and interest in global surgery.
• Improved ability to reason about global surgery issues and patient complexities.
• Clinical experience abroad reduced reliance on preconceptions when interacting with patients.

Conclusions:

• The global surgery course is valued, enhancing student knowledge and reflection.
• Identified need for further support in integrating theoretical knowledge and professional development.
• Suggests problem-based learning to enhance student integration of knowledge and professional growth.