Overeem, L. (Loes) (2020) Competency development of Dutch Medical Docters Global Health Tropical Medicine. thesis, Medicine.
Full text available on request.Abstract
Background: In a world where interdependence is growing and borders are fading, global health (GH) is increasingly relevant as previously local diseases migrate. With these developments, the need for knowledge on GH increases accordingly. The Netherlands offers a specialisation program for medical doctors (MDs) to work in low-resource settings (LRS), training them as MDs of Global Health and Tropical Medicine (MDs-GHTM). After working for some time in LRS, many MDs-GHTM continue their career in the Netherlands. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MDs-GHTM have been called in to assist in Dutch hospitals. The rationale of this study is therefore to inquire upon competencies developed by MDs-GHTM in LRS and how they can benefit HRS upon returning. The subsequent research question is: “what experience does the MD-GHTM bring and how can these be of added value to the Dutch healthcare system? More specifically, what knowledge, skills and attitudes have been applicable during the COVID-19 pandemic?” 4 Methods: An explorative, qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. A scoping literature search was done prior to data collection. Several studies were found on the development of competencies in LRS by medical students, residents, and general practitioners. From this data, a preliminary framework, and subsequent interview guide, was developed. Three domains found by Roy et al. were used as a basis for the framework. These domains were: cultural, personal and professional. Obtained data were used to develop a guide for the focus group discussions. As an iterative process, all data were continuously used as a form of feedback to adjust the guides. Data analysis took place using the directed content analysis method in Atlas.Ti. Data were anonymised and handled in line with European privacy laws (Algemene verordening gegevensbescherming (AVG)). Results: 15 themes that categorised competencies developed in LRS by MDs-GHTM were found. These fall under the three domains. The themes identified were: broad medical perspective, holistic perspective, communication, creativity, flexibility, intercultural interaction, independent workstyle, clinical experience, cost awareness, public health, leadership, open-mindedness, organization of care, self-development, and teamwork. Conclusion: This research outlines competencies developed in LRS and identified how these can be beneficial to HRS. This reciprocity is an important factor for the sustainable development of GH. Identifying these competencies could give insight into the added value of MDs-GHTM to HRS and may help in refining the specialisation program.
| Item Type: | Thesis (UNSPECIFIED) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Versluis, drs. M.A.C. |
| Faculty: | Medical Sciences |
| Date Deposited: | 16 Dec 2021 15:17 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Dec 2021 15:17 |
| URI: | https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2884 |
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