Purpose: Using the current partnership between University of Illinois
in Chicago, Illinois (UIC) and Ayder Hospital/Mekele University in Mekele,
Ethiopia (Ayder), this study evaluated the effectiveness of professionalism
training for medical students and resident trainees at Ayder.
Background: Threats to professionalism in medicine have led to
more universal teaching of professionalism to trainees and practicing
physicians. Currently, professionalism is listed by the ACGME as one of the 6
general clinical competencies. Many programs that include group sessions
and standardized patients have been implemented in American institutions,
although little research has been directed towards professionalism training in
a global health setting. This study aimed to determine the effect of a
professionalism training at Ayder.
Methods: Participants in a professionalism and communication
training were offered participation in a pre- and post-test survey. The survey
focused on the perception and function of professionalism in the medical
workplace, and included quantitative and qualitative data. The pre- and
post-test surveys were conducted prior to and at completion of the training.
Results: A convenience sample of medical students and resident
trainees at Ayder participated in the pre- and post-test surveys. The training
had a positive effect on the perception of professionalism and identified
opportunities for behavioral improvement.
Discussions: We saw that the professional training was an effective tool
for implementing professionalism into medical education curricula in this
global health setting. However, further research regarding the long term impact
and ability to implement clinical competencies into global health settings will
help determine the plausibility of repeating such a study in other sites.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2019, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Professionalism, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, GME, Simulation, Global Health, Public Health,
Sarah Atkinson,
MD, University
of Illinois at Chicago; Fasika Amdeslasie, MD,
FCS-ECSA, FAIMER Fellow; Tamika Alexander, MD;
Catherine Ford,
MD, MPH; Erin
Cavanaugh, MD
