Motivations and Barriers Associated With Physician Volunteerism for an International Telemedicine Organization

Abstract

Introduction: The Addis Clinic uses volunteer physicians to implement an international humanitarian telemedicine program. We sought to identify motivations and barriers that may contribute to physician volunteerism in international telemedicine. Methods: We surveyed active and inactive volunteers working with The Addis Clinic. Descriptive statistics were used to examine closed-ended questions, while a qualitative approach identified overarching themes for open-ended questions. The Volunteer Functions Inventory framework was also applied. Results: Among 69 active and 25 inactive volunteers, survey response rates of 74 and 72%, respectively, were attained. Volunteer cohorts exhibited comparable distributions across sex, marital status, and children. Active, as compared with inactive, participants were significantly more likely to be <40 years old (51 vs. 39%, p = 0.01), have prior experience with international/global health (67 vs. 39%, p = 0.04), and express an interest in international/global health work (82 vs. 50%, p = 0.008). Active volunteers were predominantly concerned with challenges regarding patient care: they more often reported the asynchronous nature of communication with frontline health workers as a significant barrier (37 vs. 6%, p = 0.047), and increased patient follow-up significantly drove their enthusiasm (64 vs. 35%, p = 0.05). Conversely, active volunteers were less likely to cite commitment/availability as a significant barrier for participation (33 vs. 72%, p = 0.002), less likely to be incentivized by opportunities to fulfill professional obligations (14 vs. 59%, p = 0.001), and more likely to be satisfied with the telemedicine experience (86 vs. 0%, p < 0.0001). Opportunities to receive remuneration or recognition did not increase the likelihood of volunteering for either cohort. Malpractice concerns were cited in a comparable minority across cohorts (20 vs. 17%). Conclusions: Age and global health experience/interest were significant predictors of physician volunteerism. While inactive volunteers reported time commitment as a barrier, active participants were concerned with challenges regarding patient care and motivated by increased methods to connect with patients. Financial considerations and recognition were infrequently reported as a barrier. With advances in telemedicine globally, results from this study can be used by organizations involved in international telemedicine to develop effective volunteer recruitment and retention strategies.

Exploring the Decision to Volunteer Online in Health Virtual Community

“…The technology aspects mentioned may include the adoption of health virtual community leveraged by doctors that influence them to volunteer online. Consistent with past researchers finding, other factors relates to altruistic, knowledge sharing and values also serve as a central driver for volunteering online in virtual community [21][1] [32].…”

Skin diseases in displaced populations: a review of contributing factors, challenges, and approaches to care

“…Since 2010, MSF has utilized telemedicine for greater than 14,000 specialty consults 114 . The key aspects, advantages, and disadvantages of the MSF telemedicine platform are outlined in Table 2 114‐118 . WhatsApp, a widely used free mobile instant messaging application, has been used as an informal approach to telemedicine in resource‐limited settings, 119,120 though to our knowledge there are no published data on its use specifically for dermatologic care of refugees and migrants.…”

Development and Implementation of a Healthcare Volunteer Retention Program

“…Beliefs, motivations, barriers, and psychological contracts in volunteerism have been investigated in the United States and Canada. These authors have recommended specific volunteer retention strategies to address the effectiveness and sustainability of world health needs in an unstable social and conflict-prone environment (Haski et al, 2018;Kim et al, 2019;McGeehan et al, 2017;Omoto & Packard, 2016;Sarti et al, 2017;Smith & Grove, 2017;Wilson & Son, 2018).…”

“…Results from the studies worldwide depicted the challenges organizations have competing for HVs in times of disasters and other humanitarian missions. Retention programs were suggested to support and mobilize volunteers for long-term commitments (Haski et al, 2018;Kim et al, 2019;McGeehan et al, 2017;Omoto & Packard, 2016;Sarti et al, 2017;Smith & Grove, 2017;Wilson & Son, 2018). Researchers around the world recommended exploring factors affecting retention of CBHVs and CHWs to support humanitarian aid (Afari-Asiedu et al, 2018;Albuquerque et al, 2018;Chatio & Akweongo, 2017;Mays et al, 2017;Mlotshwa et al, 2015;Vareilles et al, 2015).…”

“…In Africa, Canada, Sweden, and the United States, HVs were motivated by a mentor who reinforced the mission's goals and by the value of altruism to render aid to others in time of serious need during disasters (Afari-Asiedu et al, 2018;Albuquerque et al, 2018;Chatio & Akweongo, 2017;Kim et al, 2019;Mays et al, 2017;McGeehan et al, 2017;Mlotshwa et al, 2015;Moghaddam et al, 2018;Ngilangwa & Mgomella, 2018;Sarti et al, 2017;Smith & Grove, 2017;Vareilles et al, 2015). According to O'Donohue et al 2015, volunteers fulfilled the organizational obligation, sustained functional relationships, and enhanced performance and productivity by making a socio-emotional commitment to their supervisor or mentor.…”