Healthcare providers’ and managers’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions regarding international medical volunteering in Uganda: a qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectivesThe study sought to explore the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of healthcare providers and health programme managers regarding the benefits, challenges and impact of international medical volunteers’ clinical placements. Views on how to better improve the work of international medical volunteers and the volunteer organisation Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) for the benefit of local communities were also explored.SettingsPublic healthcare facilities, VSO offices in Gulu and VSO offices in Kampala, Uganda.ParticipantsUgandan healthcare providers (n=11) and health programme managers (n=6) who had worked with or managed international medical volunteers.InterventionsData collection was conducted using key informant interviews. Transcribed interviews were coded by topic and grouped into categories. Thematic framework analysis using NVivo identified emerging themes.ResultsBoth healthcare providers and managers reported a beneficial impact of volunteers and working with the volunteer organisation (clinical service provision, multidisciplinary teamwork, patient-centred care, implementation of audits, improved quality of care, clinical teaching and mentoring for local healthcare providers); identified challenges of working with volunteers (language barriers and unrealistic expectations) and the organisation (lack of clear communication and feedback processes); and provided recommendations to improve volunteer placements and working partnership with the organisation (more local stakeholder input and longer placements). Most healthcare providers were positive and recommended that volunteers are enabled to continue to work in such settings if resources are available to do so.ConclusionsHealthcare providers based in a low-resource setting report positive experiences and impacts of working with international medical volunteers. Currently, there is lack of local feedback processes, and the establishment of such processes that consider local stakeholder reflections requires further strengthening. These would help gain a better understanding of what is needed to ensure optimal effectiveness and sustainable impact of international medical volunteer placements.

Experiences and impact of international medical volunteering: a multi-country mixed methods study

“…A recent study explored the views of local Ugandan healthcare providers who had worked alongside international medical volunteers during 1-year clinical placements with Voluntary Services Overseas, and reported beneficial impacts of volunteers (clinical service provision, multidisciplinary teamwork, patient-centred care, implementation of audits, improved quality of care, clinical teaching and mentoring for local healthcare providers); identified challenges of working with volunteers (language barriers and unrealistic expectations) and the organisation (lack of clear communication and feedback processes); and provided recommendations to improve volunteer placements and working partnership with the organisation (more local stakeholder input and longer placements). 35 Similar to our study, local Ugandan healthcare providers were overall positive regarding international medical volunteering and recommended that healthcare providers from other countries are Open access enabled to volunteer in such settings if resources are available to do so. 35 Meaning of the study Medical volunteers from the UK and from LMICs, reported that they could transfer new skills to their workplace, having gained more confidence to become trainers for other courses, and further develop teaching skills.…”

“…35 Similar to our study, local Ugandan healthcare providers were overall positive regarding international medical volunteering and recommended that healthcare providers from other countries are Open access enabled to volunteer in such settings if resources are available to do so. 35 Meaning of the study Medical volunteers from the UK and from LMICs, reported that they could transfer new skills to their workplace, having gained more confidence to become trainers for other courses, and further develop teaching skills. An increase in leadership and management skills was also considered very useful and of benefit for the home country setting as was also described in other reports.…”

Global Rate of Willingness to Volunteer Among Medical and Health Students During Pandemic: Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…There are many significant advantages to volunteering, including helping provide more services and clinical care, reducing the workload for local staff, improving the quality of care, and shortening waiting times for patients. In return, it enhances how the community views and uses health care services [ 79 ].…”

First Do No Harm: Ethical Considerations of Pediatric Orthopaedic Global Outreach

“…In that case, it may be better to operate on the indigent population which isn't taking away from the paying patients of local doctors. 18 At a minimum, bias training should be considered as part of pre-trip planning and ongoing team development. Getting to know colleagues with different backgrounds and experiences and building friendships with surgeons who don't look like you may be the most impactful to begin breaking down barriers.…”