.svg){kind=logo}
Project Lead:
The Electives Network:
Alexa Cunningham alexa.cunningham@electives.net
TEN is a global network of healthcare organisations and institutions that offer elective
placements for healthcare professionals and students interested in gaining practical experience in Global Health. The network includes placements in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, emergency and pre-hospital services, public health organisations, and non-governmental organisations. TEN also provides a platform for participants to share their experiences, connect with other healthcare professionals and students, and access resources and support for furthering their global health education.
At TEN we believe Global Health education is an important component of healthcare education and international volunteering because it helps students and professionals to understand the social, economic, and political factors that influence health systems and health outcomes in different parts of the world. By learning about these factors, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop effective healthcare interventions that meet the needs of communities in different parts of the world. Global Health education also provides participants with the skills necessary to advocate for the health and well-being of communities worldwide. TEN’s mandate is therefore to equip Global Health practitioners with the theoretical grounding to inform their practical experiences. We believe that only through understanding both the theoretical and practical applications of Global Health can practitioners learn how to work with policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to develop policies and initiatives that promote Global Health.
In short, TEN provides a unique opportunity for healthcare students and professionals to gain valuable experience in Global Health, while also contributing to positive change in communities around the world. Through Global Health education and cross-cultural exchange, volunteers can develop the skills and knowledge needed to become effective healthcare professionals in an increasingly interconnected world.
As part of its commitment to Global Health education TEN has developed the new Foundation in Global Health online course. Aimed at newly qualified doctors embarking on their Foundation Years 1 and 2 we hope
that this programme can encourage better understanding of Global Health in qualified practitioners and also allow for better opportunities for those planning a Foundation Year 3 and 4.
The Foundation in Global Health is an online course that aims to provide Junior Doctors with a deeper understanding of Global Health issues and to develop the skills and competencies needed to engage in effective Global Health work. The course is designed for newly qualified doctors who are interested in pursuing careers in Global Health, including international healthcare volunteering, research, and policy.
The course includes two modules taught during FY1 and FY2 these two ten week modules cover topics such as healthcare systems, communicable and non- communicable diseases, health promotion, and healthcare ethics. Participants will also learn about the importance of cultural competency, advocacy, and public health strategies in promoting Global Health.
Through a combination of online lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on learning experiences, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of key Global Health topics, including disease prevention and control, health promotion, healthcare systems, and epidemiology.
Experienced Global Health practitioners and experts in the field will teach the course and guide participants through case studies, discussions, and group projects. By the end of the programme, participants will have developed a strong foundation in Global Health, including the skills and competencies necessary to design, implement, and evaluate effective Global Health programmes.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Describe the main determinants of health (social, environmental, and commercial) and how they vary across different populations and contexts.
Explain the global burden of disease and its distribution and identify major health challenges facing different regions of the world.
Analyse health systems and policies in different countries and compare and contrast different models of healthcare delivery.
Critically evaluate different approaches to addressing Global Health challenges, including prevention, treatment, and policy interventions
Demonstrate an understanding of cultural competence and the importance of working with local communities and stakeholders in Global Health work.
Develop practical skills and competencies for Global Health work, including project management, research methods, and communication strategies.
The year one course will cover a range of topics related to Global Health and is structured into 10 weeks which will be taught over two five week periods. Each week will include a one hour lecture taught as a hybrid available both in person and online [as agreed with each individual trust] and a 1 hour online Q&A discussion session to critically explore the literature:
Key concepts and definitions, major health challenges facing the world, and the global burden of disease
Social, political and economic factors that influence health, and the role of culture, power and money in determining health
Comparative analysis of different models of healthcare delivery, health financing, and governance
Epidemiology and control of major infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases
Burden and impact of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, and strategies for prevention and management
Major challenges facing maternal and child health, including maternal mortality, infant and child mortality, and malnutrition. Understanding existing targets and programmes in maternal and child health
Environmental risks to health, including climate change, pollution, and occupational health hazards. Reviewing how climate change will bring a new wave of Global Health challenges and a focus on NHS environmental targets
Ethical dilemmas in Global Health work, including resource allocation, informed consent, and cultural competence. Breaking down some of the key concepts of Global Health ethics and using case studies to illuminate issues relating to big pharma, organ donation and humanitarian aid
Practical skills and competencies for Global Health work, looking at how the previous weeks learning can be incorporated to improve activities as a Global Health practitioner
Advice from TEN and THET on establishing healthcare partnerships and developing ethical and sustainable placements
The year two course will cover a range of topics related to Global Health and is structured into 10 weeks which will be taught over two five week periods. Each week will include a one hour lecture taught as a hybrid available both in person and online [as agreed with each individual trust] and a 1 hour online Q&A discussion session to critically explore the literature. The course will end in a conference style event held in June where students will be able to network with both lecturers and hosts working on the course.
Reviewing the role of international organisations in Global Health and the challenges they face
Analysing the leadership and management skills required for effective Global Health interventions
Case studies on successful and unsuccessful leadership in Global Health
Understanding the economics of Global Health interventions, including the costs and benefits of different strategies
Analysing the financial mechanisms used to fund Global Health initiatives
Case studies on the economic and financial challenges of implementing Global Health programmes
Understanding the political and policy context of Global Health interventions Analysing the role of advocacy in shaping Global Health policy
Case studies on successful and unsuccessful advocacy efforts in Global Health
Understanding the components of a strong health system and how to build them
Analysing the challenges and opportunities of implementing health systems strengthening interventions in low-resource settings
Case studies on successful and unsuccessful health systems strengthening initiatives in Global Health
Understanding the importance of monitoring and evaluation in Global Health interventions
Analysing the different methods and tools used for monitoring and evaluating Global Health programmes
Case studies on successful and unsuccessful monitoring and evaluation in Global Health
Understanding the ethical challenges of conducting research in Global Health Analysing the principles and guidelines for ethical research in Global Health Case studies on successful and unsuccessful ethical research in Global Health
Understanding the role of communication in Global Health interventions
Analysing the different communication strategies used in Global Health programmes
Case studies on successful and unsuccessful health communication in Global Health
Understanding the importance of cultural competency in Global Health interventions
Analysing the challenges and opportunities of implementing culturally sensitive interventions in different settings
Case studies on successful and unsuccessful culturally sensitive interventions in Global Health
Understanding the challenges of implementing Global Health interventions in conflict and post-conflict settings
Analysing the role of humanitarian aid in Global Health interventions
Case studies on successful and unsuccessful Global Health interventions in conflict and humanitarian settings
Reflection on the module content and personal learning outcomes Discussion on future directions in Global Health and emerging challenges
Advice on how to become more involved in Global Health work, including ethical and sustainable placements and healthcare partnerships
COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS DEVELOPED
Throughout the course, students will develop a range of competencies and skills that are relevant to Global Health work, including:
Analytical skills: The ability to critically evaluate different sources of information, analyse health data, and identify key trends and patterns
Communication skills: The ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including local communities, policymakers, and healthcare professionals
Cultural competence: The ability to work effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and to navigate cultural differences in healthcare delivery and research
Project management skills: The ability to plan, implement, and evaluate Global Health projects, including budgeting, monitoring, and reporting
Research skills: The ability to design and conduct research in Global Health, including qualitative and quantitative methods, and to use data to inform policy and practice
Teamwork and leadership: The ability to work effectively in teams, and to lead and manage projects and initiatives in Global Health.
Upon completion of this course, students will receive a certificate and will be well- equipped to pursue careers in a range of Global Health fields, including international healthcare volunteering, research, and policy.
FOUNDATION STAGE AND BEYOND - THE NEED FOR A FOUNDATION IN GLOBAL HEALTH
Creating a foundation-stage course in Global Health is a necessary and timely initiative in the UK. Recent changes in the behaviour of foundation-stage doctors, coupled with the lack of Global Health training, have created an opportunity for TEN to step in and make a positive impact. Across all 20 deaneries/foundation programme schools, the need for Global Health education is becoming increasingly apparent, as evidenced by the calls for change to national guidance and the introduction of Global Health to medical school curriculums and the foundation programme.
The General Medical Council's 'Outcomes for Graduates' report of 2018 has recommended that newly qualified doctors should have knowledge and skills in areas within the Global Health curriculum, reflecting the growing pressure for UK medical schools to integrate Global Health into their current offerings. Additionally, medical student surveys have shown that 94% of students consider Global Health education to be important. In May 2018, the Royal Society of Medicine hosted a panel that highlighted both the enthusiasm for Global Health training among students and the existing barriers to providing such education.
In this context, it is clear that the appetite for Global Health education is growing, and there is strong support from training providers who currently lack the capacity and experience to offer such training. By creating a foundation-stage course in Global Health, TEN can provide a vital service to medical students and foundation-stage doctors. This course will equip them with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience they need to tackle Global Health challenges and make a meaningful difference in the world. It is time to seize this opportunity and invest in the future of our healthcare workforce.
Our Global Health courses start again in September sign up to our mailing list or email us directly at info@electives.net to get more information nearer the time on how to participate.
Sign up
