title: Effective purpose in transnational humanitarian healthcare providers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To advance knowledge regarding the education and support needs of staff deployed to international settings from a US academic medical center (AMC).
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative approach rooted in phenomenology called, Transcendental Method for Research with Human Subjects was used. A flexible interview guide was used to guide participants into self-reflection about the decision to participate in global healthcare, educational preparation, field experiences, and return.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted at a US AMC.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sample size was 15 and included nurses, physicians, and therapists who had participated in disaster and/or developmental humanitarian global health deployments. Purposive sampling with a maximum variation approach was used along with snowball sampling. Sample size was determined by reaching horizonal understanding of participants.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study sought to elicit and analyze responses from participants in an open-ended manner.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis revealed the following seven themes: a) the yearning to relieve suffering, b) getting ready, c) making a difference, d) bad things happening to wonderful people, e) challenging and sustaining factors, f) dialectical alienation, and g) knowing what really matters. The concept of "effective purpose" emerged from interpretation of these themes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most participants found their experiences to be beneficial and meaningful but faced challenges in the field. Knowledge and skills varied among providers. Education and support are critical for healthcare professionals who engage in transnational healthcare. Recommendations for staff preparation are provided.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Worcester, Worcester, Massachusetts; Nurse Scientist, The Yvonne L. Munn Center for Nursing Research, The Institute for Patient Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Donna J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Perry
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000533:Altruism; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D054597:Disaster Medicine / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health / Q000193:education*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation