Ethical Challenges in Short-Term Global Health Training

Conclusion
This case provides several important lessons regarding the ethical issues arising when trainees in short-term work abroad might exceed their level of training.

Jasmine’s case emphasizes the need for advance collaboration and preparation with the host site. Ensuring that expectations and limitations are clear from the outset not only helps patients, but also helps trainees, sending and host institutions, and sponsors ensure a mutually beneficial partnership.

Jasmine also learned that it is not ethically appropriate to misrepresent her level of training. This does not mean that she can’t attempt tasks for which she has already been trained while feeling understandably nervous. She realized, though, that she should not perform tasks clearly outside her level of training.

Lastly, unanticipated circumstances will undoubtedly arise. Jasmine might have questions about tasks that do not clearly fall within (or without) her level of training. When in doubt, she should ask her local supervisor, advisors, and sending institution about the proper course of action.

Please provide feedback on this case: Exceeding Level of Training
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Additional Resources

For further reading, we suggest:

Crump J.A. and Sugarman J. Ethical considerations for short-term experiences by trainees in global health. JAMA. 2008;300: 1456-1458.

Dowell J. and Merrylees N. Electives: isn’t it time for a change? Med Educ. 2009; 43(2):121-6.

Radstone SJ. Practicing on the poor? Healthcare workers' beliefs about the role of medical students during their elective. J Med Ethics 2005; 31:109-110.

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Ethical Challenges in Short-Term Global Health Training
Homepage About the Case Series Cases Developing Cultural Understanding Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Ensuring Personal Safety Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Exceeding Level of Training Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Ensuring Sustainable and Appropriate Benefits Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Addressing "Ancillary Benefits" Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Recognizing Burdens Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Shifting Resources Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Telling the "Truth" Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Selecting a Research Project Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Understanding Informed Consent for Research Introduction Vignette 1 Vignette 2 Vignette 3 Conclusion Additional Resources (pdf) Acknowledgements and Funding Contact Us	CASE 3: Exceeding Level of Training Conclusion This case provides several important lessons regarding the ethical issues arising when trainees in short-term work abroad might exceed their level of training. Jasmine’s case emphasizes the need for advance collaboration and preparation with the host site. Ensuring that expectations and limitations are clear from the outset not only helps patients, but also helps trainees, sending and host institutions, and sponsors ensure a mutually beneficial partnership. Jasmine also learned that it is not ethically appropriate to misrepresent her level of training. This does not mean that she can’t attempt tasks for which she has already been trained while feeling understandably nervous. She realized, though, that she should not perform tasks clearly outside her level of training. Lastly, unanticipated circumstances will undoubtedly arise. Jasmine might have questions about tasks that do not clearly fall within (or without) her level of training. When in doubt, she should ask her local supervisor, advisors, and sending institution about the proper course of action. Please provide feedback on this case: Exceeding Level of Training Completing the brief survey will allow you to print a Certificate of Completion. Additional Resources For further reading, we suggest: Crump J.A. and Sugarman J. Ethical considerations for short-term experiences by trainees in global health. JAMA. 2008;300: 1456-1458. Dowell J. and Merrylees N. Electives: isn’t it time for a change? Med Educ. 2009; 43(2):121-6. Radstone SJ. Practicing on the poor? Healthcare workers' beliefs about the role of medical students during their elective. J Med Ethics 2005; 31:109-110. Click Next to proceed…