Global Health Education in Child Neurology and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Training Programs in the United States: A National Survey.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To describe the current landscape of opportunities and education in global health among child neurology and neurodevelopmental disabilities training programs and provide a framework for future development of global health education. METHODS: Authors surveyed Trainee and Program Director groups, obtaining information regarding global health interest, participation and obstacles (trainees); and collaborations in global health, academic yield and obstacles, and global health educational development within the training program (program directors). RESULTS: Of identified trainees and program directors, 35% and 48% responded, respectively. Among trainees, 82% reported interest in global health, with 25% reporting influence in program selection. Among program directors, 34% reported global health collaborations, most frequently clinical. Academic yield (conference participation or publications) was described by 46% of programs. Major obstacles described by both groups included administrative issues and funding; however, the latter was most important for program directors but not for trainees. Among program directors, 16% reported global health curricula, with lectures (100%), orientation courses (50%), and pre/post-travel sessions (50%) being commonest elements. The main content included education in public health, resourcefulness, and epidemiology. Half of responding programs offered a formal global health training track, including opportunities in language education (67%) and advanced degrees (33%). CONCLUSIONS: Similar to other specialties, growing interest in global health among trainees corresponds to growing availability of said opportunities; however, most display significant logistic obstacles and lack curricular development. Potential areas for intervention, including an interdisciplinary approach, and potential benefits to stakeholders are identified for programs wishing to expand in global health education.