ArticlePloS one2021
Global surgery for medical students - is it meaningful? A mixed-method study.
Article in PloS one, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.
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Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed.
- Global surgery teaching content in German universities: a mixed-method descriptive study.BMC medical education · 2026Article
- Clinical electives in China: trends, experiences, barriers.Globalization and health · 2022Review
- A Bibliometric Analysis of the Landscape of Problem-Based Learning Research (1981-2021).Frontiers in psychology · 2022Article
- Core competencies for global surgery training: a scoping review.Canadian journal of surgery. Journal canadien de chirurgieArticle
- The Current State of International Academic Partnerships in Orthopaedic Surgery Between High-Income and Low and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.JB & JS open accessReview
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
introductionThere has been an increase in global health courses at medical universities in high-income countries. Their effect on students, however, is poorly understood. In 2016 an elective global surgery course was introduced for medical students at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. The course includes a theoretical module in Sweden and a two-week clinical rotation in Uganda. The present study aimed to assess the format and determine its effect on students' knowledge of global surgery and approach towards patients of non-Swedish origin.
methodA mixed-methods design was used. Semi-structured case-based interviews were conducted individually with 18 students and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Examination scores and the course evaluation were analysed with Kruskal Wallis one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's Chi-square and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test as appropriate.
resultsThe course was appreciated and students reported gained insights and interest in global surgery. Students' ability to reason about global surgery issues was improved after the course. Students considered complicating aspects in the meeting with patients of non-Swedish origin. Students with abroad clinical experience felt less compelled to act on preconceptions. DISCUSSION: The global surgery course at Karolinska Institutet is appreciated and students gained valuable knowledge. The case-based interviews acted as a catalyst for reflection and showed that students felt insecure as they lacked knowledge about globally common surgical conditions and struggled with generalized preconceptions of patients of non-Swedish origin. To further support students to integrate theoretical knowledge and professional development, we suggest the introduction of problem-based learning.
conclusionThe ability of the course to inspire students' commitment to global surgery is promising as this engagement is the key to reaching the goal of equitable health globally. Offering such courses is a step towards inspiring and recruiting the future clinicians and researchers needed for expanding the field of global surgery.
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