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Globalization and Health
Published in: Globalization and Health 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research

Guidelines for responsible short-term global health activities: developing common principles

Authors: Judith N. Lasker, Myron Aldrink, Ramaswami Balasubramaniam, Paul Caldron, Bruce Compton, Jessica Evert, Lawrence C. Loh, Shailendra Prasad, Shira Siegel

Published in: Globalization and Health | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Growing concerns about the value and effectiveness of short-term volunteer trips intending to improve health in underserved Global South communities has driven the development of guidelines by multiple organizations and individuals. These are intended to mitigate potential harms and maximize benefits associated with such efforts.

Method

This paper analyzes 27 guidelines derived from a scoping review of the literature available in early 2017, describing their authorship, intended audiences, the aspects of short term medical missions (STMMs) they address, and their attention to guideline implementation. It further considers how these guidelines relate to the desires of host communities, as seen in studies of host country staff who work with volunteers.

Results

Existing guidelines are almost entirely written by and addressed to educators and practitioners in the Global North. There is broad consensus on key principles for responsible, effective, and ethical programs--need for host partners, proper preparation and supervision of visitors, needs assessment and evaluation, sustainability, and adherence to pertinent legal and ethical standards. Host country staff studies suggest agreement with the main elements of this guideline consensus, but they add the importance of mutual learning and respect for hosts.

Conclusions

Guidelines must be informed by research and policy directives from host countries that is now mostly absent. Also, a comprehensive strategy to support adherence to best practice guidelines is needed, given limited regulation and enforcement capacity in host country contexts and strong incentives for involved stakeholders to undertake or host STMMs that do not respect key principles.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Guidelines for responsible short-term global health activities: developing common principles
Authors
Judith N. Lasker
Myron Aldrink
Ramaswami Balasubramaniam
Paul Caldron
Bruce Compton
Jessica Evert
Lawrence C. Loh
Shailendra Prasad
Shira Siegel
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Globalization and Health / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1744-8603
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992-018-0330-4

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