|
General
|
Participate in pre-departure training and post-return debriefing programs
|
[42, 47, 56, 59, 86]
|
|
Funding and Finances
|
Ensure adequate funds for airfares, accommodation, comprehensive travel insurance, daily living expenses, vaccinations and medications, visas, placement fees, recreational activities.
|
[4]
|
|
Establish the means by which HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (if required) will be prescribed and funded.
|
[22, 23, 27]
|
|
Clinical Routine
|
Establish contact with the designated supervisor and ascertain details of the elective program, clinical experience required and level of supervision.
|
[59, 63, 69]
|
|
Be aware of skills gaps that may be addressed prior to departure and that should be acknowledged as such during the elective.
|
[69, 70]
|
|
Become familiar with syndromic approaches to management of common and important conditions in host country.
|
[65, 89]
|
|
Accommodation and Personal Safety
|
Consider undertaking the elective with another student.
|
[27, 39]
|
|
Confirm the availability of secure and screened accommodation; determine whether guards and/or domestic help are provided.
|
[49]
|
|
Be streetwise when ‘out and about’; seek advice from hosts and inform supervisors of local travel plans. Undertake sufficient planning for and exercise caution when travelling by vehicle; avoid riding motorcycles.
|
[6, 23, 28]
|
|
Uphold high standards of clinical practice; seek advice and support from colleagues when dealing with ‘difficult’ patients.
|
[70]
|
|
Register with institutional and government travel registries prior to departure.
|
[29, 30, 33, 34, 74]
|
|
Ethical Behaviour and Social Accountability
|
Perceive the elective experience as that of a privileged visitor in a welcoming host community, value clinical cultures, respect social norms, work on language skills, and adapt attitudes and behaviour accordingly.
|
[17, 18, 23, 59, 76]
|
|
Dress modestly and respectfully; observe standards of clinical attire.
|
[23]
|
|
Undertake an institutional and/or on-line training program in global health ethics.
|
[64]
|
|
Health and Wellbeing
|
Ensure that adequate pre-travel health and safety advice, including necessary vaccines and medications, and appropriate preventative behaviour education (i.e. mosquito avoidance, safe sex) is obtained in a timely manner from a travel doctor. Pack a supply of non-sterile gloves, goggles and N-95 masks. Ensure that chronic medical conditions (including mental health conditions) are optimally controlled and that a management plan is in place for exacerbations. Arrange a pre-travel dental check-up.
|
[23, 25, 78]
|
|
Be competent in the self-management of minor illnesses and injuries, as well as recognition of symptoms of potentially serious illnesses.
|
[6]
|
|
Know how and where to access affordable local medical care, including services aimed specifically at foreigners. Keep all receipts and promptly notify travel insurance providers of all incidents and consultations.
|
[49]
|
|
In the event of significant illness or injury, seek the support and companionship of another student; notify the program coordinator or other faculty member.
|
[49]
|
