When Global Becomes Virtual: A Survey of Virtual Global Health Education Activities During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Pediatric Educators

Abstract

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, global health education activities were disrupted. Transitioning to virtual options has allowed educators and trainees to continue global health education and partnerships, though the acceptability and implementation of this transition is unknown. Objective To evaluate current and planned virtual global health education activities (VGHEAs) of a group of US global health educators during the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess perceived benefits and challenges of VGHEAs. Methods A cross-sectional study of pediatric faculty and trainees involved in global health education from 8 institutions in the United States were surveyed anonymously about their global health education activities in 2021. Authors used representative convenience sampling and invited at least 1 faculty member and 2 trainees from each institution in the Midwest Consortium of Global Child Health Educators. Results All 8 institutions responded to the survey, with 38 faculty and trainee participants. Institutional implementation of virtual education activities was variable. Respondents reported that VGHEAs allowed them to maintain partnerships with low-middle income countries, though they noted that unreliable internet connections presented challenges. One program reported funding cuts to its global health program during the pandemic. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for global health education programs. Educators and trainees are interested in using potentially cost-saving VGHEAs to maintain international collaborations, continue global health education efforts, and even increase access to equitable educational activities despite pandemic disruptions.

Access, interest and equity considerations for virtual global health activities during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

“…Interestingly, stratifying our participants by country of GH participation did not reveal any significant difference in interests for VGHAs during or after the pandemic. These findings, in addition to previous studies [ 23 , 28 , 39 ], however, do not delve deeper into the striking lack of equity in terms of access to opportunities and availability of funding support for GHAs in LMICs. Based on our data, we recommend that every GH partnership should frankly evaluate each partner’s interest in VGHAs—both in terms of the specific activities possible within a partnership as well as how power structures at play in the partnership affect the communication of interest and therefore the prioritization of activities.…”

“…These findings may also reflect regional and unequal variabilities in quarantine requirements, travel restrictions, and access to more widespread GH networks when the pandemic began. The disparities in access are important considerations when planning how partners might sustain partnerships and GH activities during future periods of restricted travel or global unrest [ 23 , 28 , 39 , 41 ].…”

“…Based on our prior publications [ 23 , 28 , 39 ] and author group professional experience as GH educators, researchers, and clinicians, we grouped GHAs into broader categories that shared common elements. The category “Access to GHAs and resources” included access to professional resources that support GH activities, GH educational materials, GH didactic sessions, and GH simulation sessions.…”

Access, Interest and Equity Considerations for Virtual Global Health Activities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Quantitative Analysis of a Mixed Methods Study.

“…Interestingly, stratifying our participants by country of GH participation did not reveal any signi cant difference in interests for VGHAs during or after the pandemic. These ndings, in addition to previous studies (23,28,44), however, do not delve deeper into the striking lack of equity in terms of access to opportunities and availability of funding support for GHAs in LMICs. Based on our data, we recommend that every GH partnership should frankly evaluate each partner's interest in VGHAs -both in terms of the speci c activities possible within a partnership as well as how power structures at play in the partnership affect the communication of interest and therefore the prioritization of activities.…”

“…These ndings may also re ect regional and unequal variabilities in quarantine requirements, travel restrictions, and access to more widespread GH networks when the pandemic began. The disparities in access are important considerations when planning how partners might sustain partnerships and GH activities during future periods of restricted travel or global unrest (23,28,40,44).…”