Exploring Bidirectionality in Global Health Partnerships: Perspectives From U.S. Pediatric Residency Programs

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• International Collaboration
• Pediatric Health

Background:

• Growing interest in global health partnerships (GHPs) but limited guidance on bidirectional practices.
• Need to understand U.S. pediatric global health faculty perspectives on bidirectionality.
• Informing future discussions with international collaborators on equitable partnerships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand U.S. pediatric global health faculty perspectives on institutional bidirectional practices.
• To identify perceived benefits and challenges of bidirectionality in GHPs.
• To inform the development of more equitable and effective GHPs.

Main Methods:

• Online survey using REDCap administered to U.S. pediatric global health faculty.
• Qualitative data collected through free-text responses from January 18 to February 20, 2023.
• Inductive coding of responses to identify themes related to bidirectionality.

Main Results:

• Participants described bidirectionality as reciprocity, equity, and collaboration.
• Perceived benefits included friendship, mutual respect, educational opportunities, and achieving equity.
• Challenges included technical, cultural, and financial barriers, alongside mismatched expectations.

Conclusions:

• Bidirectionality in GHPs involves reciprocal and equitable collaboration at personal and institutional levels.
• U.S. pediatric perspectives offer a framework for assessing bidirectionality in existing GHPs.
• Persistence and flexibility are crucial for fostering partner-informed collaboration in GHPs.