Is overseas volunteering beneficial to the NHS? The analysis of volunteers’ responses to a feedback questionnaire following experiences in low-income and middle-income countries

Abstract

IntroductionLocally requested and planned overseas volunteering in low-income and middle-income countries by National Health Service (NHS) staff can have benefits for the host or receiving nation, but its impact on the professional development of NHS staff is not proven. The Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) and Leadership Framework (LF) are two tools used by employers as a measure of individuals' development. We have used dimensions from both tools as a method of evaluating the benefit to NHS doctors who volunteer overseas.Methods88 NHS volunteers participating with local colleagues in Primary Trauma Care and orthopaedic surgical training courses in sub-Saharan Africa were asked to complete an online self-assessment questionnaire 6 months following their return to the UK. The survey consisted of questions based on qualities outlined in both the KSF and LF.Results85 completed responses to the questionnaire were received. In every KSF domain assessed, the majority of volunteers agreed that their overseas volunteering experience improved their practice within the NHS. Self-assessed pre-course and post-course scores evaluating the LF also saw a universal increase, notably in the ‘working with others’ domain.DiscussionThere is a growing body of literature outlining the positive impact of overseas volunteering on NHS staff. Despite increasing evidence that such experiences can develop volunteers’ essential skills, individuals often find it difficult to gain support of their employers. Our study, in line with the current literature, shows that overseas volunteering by NHS staff can provide an opportunity to enhance professional and personal development. Skills gained from volunteering within international links match many of the qualities outlined in both KSF and LF, directly contributing to volunteers’ continued professional development.

Perceptions of Orthopaedic Volunteers and Their Local Hosts in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Are We on the Same Page?

“…As with previous studies of orthopaedic volunteers, 24 most hosts and volunteers in our study agreed that volunteers were able to gain skills through volunteering that they could apply at their home practices, indicating a bidirectional transfer of skills and knowledge between the host and volunteer. Previous authors have noted that international experiences often allow volunteers to expand their medical knowledge and improve their physical examination skills 9 because volunteers are often used to relying on technology that may be limited when practicing abroad.…”

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

“…17 Studies have reported that the experience of medical volunteering (undergraduate and postgraduate) can affect the individual volunteer personally and professionally, resulting in positive changes in world views, values and outlooks. [18][19][20][21][22][23][24] There is research exploring the experiences and perceived impact of healthcare providers who have volunteered in healthcare facilities providing a clinical service, although much of this research is low quality and largely anecdotal. To date, there is less research regarding the experiences and impact of healthcare providers, both from the UK and LMIC settings, who undertake short-term volunteer placements to teach and facilitate on maternal and newborn training workshops in low-resource settings.…”

Core Trainee Prize 2021/2022: Global orthopaedics: the norm, not the exception

“…Additionally, there is a growing body of academic literature reinforcing the merit of international health partnerships. 18,19 This corresponds with a substantial amount of support at both governmental and institutional levels, with multiple documents produced by a variety of official bodies. 12-17,20-25 Extensive high-level support, combined with potential benefits for host nations, trainees, and the wider NHS, represents driving forces for broadening the involvement of the UK T&O community with partnerships in LMICs.…”