The obligation of debriefing in global health education.

BACKGROUND

An outcome of globalization and internationalization in higher education in the health professions has been increasing global health placements. There is, however, a lack of literature on debriefing and support following these placements. The authors undertook a participatory project to develop peer support and debriefing in a global health nursing elective, during which this gap in literature was addressed.

AIMS

The purpose of the project was to develop a peer support component of the course and revise the debriefing component based on results of a previous course evaluation.

METHODS

The methods were guided by a participatory approach involving course alumni and included a scoping review and focus groups.

RESULTS

The project resulted in development of: (1) a peer support statement and (2) a debriefing framework.

CONCLUSIONS

Key lessons about the obligation of appropriate debriefing for students returning from global health placements include importance of affective learning, a pedagogy of discomfort, and global health ethics.