Growth model for international academic medicine partnerships: Qualitative analysis of Ghana postgraduate Ob/Gyn training program

Abstract

This study aims to detail the capacity strengthening process of the Ghana Ob/Gyn postgraduate training program in order to inform a model by which international academic medicine partnerships can form, grow, and effectively tackle development challenges. A qualitative analysis with grounded theory methodological approach was utilized. Convenience and purposive sampling were used to select certified Ob/Gyn training program graduates. Interviews were conducted face-to-face in in Accra, Kumasi, Cape Coast, and Tamale, Ghana between June 21 to August 20, 2017. An additional data analysis of 48 semi-structured interviews previously collected for another study were examined for factors pertinent to graduate career development. Coded data were grouped according to themes and subthemes. Emerging themes demonstrated that graduates further complete the maternal care team and facilitate collaboration amongst healthcare workers. Themes also included graduates' pursuit of subspecialty training and research. Graduates cited the training program as key to their professional development. Graduates assume leadership roles in hospital management and operations, teaching, mentoring, interprofessional maternal care team, and knowledge-sharing. Graduates expressed eagerness to subspecialize and to advance their research training and skills. The results suggest a growth model of international academic medicine partnerships from basic obstetric training to advanced training. The model is developed for adaptability in other SSA countries and low-resource settings so that it may effectively strengthen health workforce capacity. We hope that this program can serve as a model for other partnerships in medical specialties.

Fig 1. Model for postgraduate training programs aimed at health workforce capacity strengthening.

The Postgraduate Training Program serves as a model by which opportunity to expand health workforce capacity is identified, training and development programs are established, graduates are retained through job creation and certified through national bodies, graduates can assume leader and collaborator roles, and then advance their careers and field through research and subspecialty training.

Fig 2. Sustainable development goals and targets addressed through ob/gyn postgraduate training program.

Creating education opportunity (SDG 4) lays the foundation to promote decent work for graduates (SDG 8), leading to gender equity for both graduates and patients (SDG 5), and ultimately improves health and well-being, particularly maternal, newborn, and child health (SDG 3) [3].