Ethics for international medicine: a practical guide for aid workers in developing countries

Short-term international volunteerism in dermatology: Ethical considerations

“…However, it also has the capacity to work against health equity and the empowerment of local health care systems in a number of ways. 3,4 For example, the short duration and intermittent nature of this work often does not allow for sufficient patient follow-up to determine the safety and efficacy of interventions. Volunteers, particularly trainees, may also be tempted to practice beyond their scope of competency or below accepted standards of care in their home communities.…”

“…In order to advance health equity and empower local health care systems, the benefit of short-term medical aid work must be durable, continuing well beyond an isolated visit by volunteers. 4 In addition, the interventions must be feasible within the constraints of the local health care system and, ideally, carried out in collaboration with local health care providers. 4 If not, the local health care system may be undermined and local providers marginalized.…”

“…4 In addition, the interventions must be feasible within the constraints of the local health care system and, ideally, carried out in collaboration with local health care providers. 4 If not, the local health care system may be undermined and local providers marginalized. Sustainability poses a particular challenge when the local disease burden is composed of chronic conditions.…”

“…Sustainability poses a particular challenge when the local disease burden is composed of chronic conditions. 4 Indeed, many of the most common and burdensome skin diseases worldwide, including atopic dermatitis, are chronic. 6 In this context, volunteers may be tempted to circumvent the local health care system with one-time donations of limited amounts of medication.…”

“…6 In this context, volunteers may be tempted to circumvent the local health care system with one-time donations of limited amounts of medication. 4 However, this practice may have undesired effects. For example, it may inadvertently mask infrastructural problems related to local formularies that could be brought to the attention of the ministry of health.…”