Operational readiness for conducting global health research abroad

Abstract

Research excellence is the goal of all researchers. Conducting quality research with the ultimate aim of improving health is a shared goal among researchers in the global health domain. The competencies required for conducting and producing quality research in global health go far beyond the academic or scientific spheres. They incorporate aspects of research partnership, which places humility, empathy, and mutual respect at its core. Conducting quality respectful global health research requires an appropriate balance of operational readiness (i.e., technical, physical, and mental readiness). This paper reports on the pertinence and potential shaping of conceptual work and exploratory research focusing on aspects of mental readiness. These aspects may be perceived to be significant enough to influence success and warrant further investigation in the context of conducting global health research abroad.KEY WORDS: Preparedness; excellence; research; graduate students; mental readiness; performance La traduction du résumé se trouve à la fin de l'article.

Exploration of Mental Readiness for Enhancing Dentistry in an Inter-Professional Climate

“…The high mental-readiness score in dentistry (49%) supports results found with other high-achievers ( Table 2 ) such as in surgery, health research, social work, policing and elite athletics [ 18 , 20 , 21 , 23 , 30 ] (McDonald et al, 1995; McDonald & Gyorkos, 2016; McDonald & Hale, 2021; McDonald, 2006; Orlick & Partington, 1988, respectively). For this sample of professions, physical readiness was ranked highest for Olympians and lowest for surgeons.…”

“… Significance of mental readiness: Compared to dentists, top performers in other high-risk professions demonstrate excellent technical and physical skills but where dentists stand out is their proficiency in mental readiness [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ] (McDonald et al, 2016, 2015, 1995; McDonald, 2006; Zhang et al, 2000). Similarly, these case studies indicated that well-honed mental readiness was a major contributor (49%) to best performances in demanding and routine dental procedures.…”

“…Peak performance training in other fields has been used extensively in preparing top performers to consistently be at their best, optimize conditions and achieve excellence. An “Operational Readiness Framework”, developed by researchers who worked with Olympic athletes, has proven its transferability across very different high-performance settings with equal success: e.g., global health, high-altitude guiding, surgery and policing [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Here, individuals perform and make decisions which directly impact lives (and deaths).…”