Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Comparative Study
. 2020 May;84(5):7682.
doi: 10.5688/ajpe7682.

Global Health Learning Outcomes by Country Location and Duration for International Experiences

David R Steeb  1 , Monica L Miller  2 , Ellen M Schellhase  2 , Jodie V Malhotra  3 , Jacqueline E McLaughlin  1 , Sarah A Dascanio  1 , Stuart T Haines  4
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Global Health Learning Outcomes by Country Location and Duration for International Experiences

David R Steeb et al. Am J Pharm Educ. 2020 May.

Abstract

Objective. To determine the impact of country income classification and experience duration on learning outcomes for student pharmacists participating in international advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs). Methods. A mixed-methods, longitudinal study evaluated 81 fourth-year student pharmacists participating in an international APPE through one of three US universities. A pre-post survey was administered to evaluate students' self-perceived growth across 13 competencies established by the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH). The survey included four additional open-ended questions. Student pharmacists were also invited to participate in a focus group. Paired and independent t tests and multiple linear regression were conducted. Qualitative survey and focus group data underwent a two-cycle, open-coding process using conventional content analysis. Results. Students who completed their APPE in a low- to middle-income country had greater growth in all CUGH competency statements compared to those who completed their APPE in a high-income country. Completing the APPE in a low- to middle-income country and prior travel for non-vacation purposes were significant predictors of student growth. Students who went to a low- to middle-income country demonstrated increased cultural sensitivity, more patient-centered care, and skill development, while students who went to a high-income country displayed increased knowledge regarding differences in health care system components, pharmacy practice, pharmacy education, and an appreciation for alternative patient care approaches. Conclusion. Learning outcomes differed between students who completed an APPE in a high-income rather than a low- to middle-income country, with both types of locations providing valuable educational opportunities and professional and personal development.

Keywords: assessment; experiential education; global health; global health education; learning outcomes.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Prescott GM, Vu BN, Alsharif NZ, Prescott WA Jr. Global health education in doctor of pharmacy programs in the United States. Am J Pharm Educ. 2017;81(2):28. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Kaffes I, Moser F, Pham M, Oetjen A, Fehling M. Global health education in Germany: an analysis of current capacity, needs and barriers. BMC Med Educ. 2016;16(1):304. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Pharmacy. ACoC. Practice and research networks. http://www.accp.com/about/prns.aspx. Accessed May 1, 2020.
    1. Healthy People 2020. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. https://www.healthypeople.gov. Accessed May 1, 2020.
    1. United Nations. About the Sustainable Development Goals. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/. Accessed May 1, 2020.

Publication types

MeSH terms