Abstract
Background: There is increasing recognition of the effects of globalisation on health and healthcare. We solicited the views of wide-ranging stakeholders in order to develop core global health competencies for postgraduate doctors.
Methods: Published literature and existing curricula informed writing of seven global health competencies for consultation. A modified policy Delphi involved an online survey and face-to-face and telephone interviews over three rounds.
Results: Over 300 stakeholders participated, including doctors, other health professionals, policymakers and members of public from all continents of the world. Participants indicated that global health competence is essential for postgraduate health professionals. Concerns were expressed about overburdening curricula and identifying what is ‘essential’ for whom. Conflicting perspectives emerged about the importance and relevance of different global health topics.
Five core competencies were developed: 1.Diversity, human rights and ethics; 2.Environmental, social and economic determinants of health; 3.Global epidemiology; 4.Global health governance; and 5.Health systems and health professionals.
Conclusions: Global health can bring important perspectives to postgraduate curricula, enhancing the ability of doctors to provide quality care. These global health competencies require tailoring to meet different trainees’ needs and facilitate their incorporation into curricula. Healthcare and global health are ever-changing; therefore the competencies will require regular review and update.
Methods: Published literature and existing curricula informed writing of seven global health competencies for consultation. A modified policy Delphi involved an online survey and face-to-face and telephone interviews over three rounds.
Results: Over 300 stakeholders participated, including doctors, other health professionals, policymakers and members of public from all continents of the world. Participants indicated that global health competence is essential for postgraduate health professionals. Concerns were expressed about overburdening curricula and identifying what is ‘essential’ for whom. Conflicting perspectives emerged about the importance and relevance of different global health topics.
Five core competencies were developed: 1.Diversity, human rights and ethics; 2.Environmental, social and economic determinants of health; 3.Global epidemiology; 4.Global health governance; and 5.Health systems and health professionals.
Conclusions: Global health can bring important perspectives to postgraduate curricula, enhancing the ability of doctors to provide quality care. These global health competencies require tailoring to meet different trainees’ needs and facilitate their incorporation into curricula. Healthcare and global health are ever-changing; therefore the competencies will require regular review and update.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | ihw019 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | International Health |
| Volume | 2016 |
| Early online date | 30 May 2016 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 30 May 2016 |
