title: Experiences of Irish general practice trainees who participate in 4-month rotations in Malawi and Australia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  International health electives provide doctors and medical students with unique educational experiences. The HSE South East GP training programme in Waterford, Ireland has run a four-month elective to Malawi since 2006, and also ran a four-month placement in Australia between 2004 and 2011.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to see whether these overseas electives provide Irish GP trainees with any positive or negative experiences, and to make recommendations regarding future similar rotations abroad.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study used the Delphi survey technique, a qualitative research method. The first round questionnaire asked about challenges faced while overseas, what the trainees learned, and how the placement influenced their clinical practice on their return to Ireland. Doctors were also asked about the benefits and/or limitations of an overseas placement during GP training.
  
  
  RESULTS
  These Irish GP trainees reported very positive outcomes from time spent in Malawi and Australia. They reported improved knowledge and skills, and increased awareness of health issues and cultural differences in another country. Moreover, they had an opportunity to reflect and grow personally as doctors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first study looking at an international health elective as part of a vocational training programme in Ireland.
authors.affiliation: a South Eastern General Practice Training Scheme , Waterford Regional Hospital , Waterford , Ireland.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dowling
authors.affiliation: a South Eastern General Practice Training Scheme , Waterford Regional Hospital , Waterford , Ireland.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rouse
authors.affiliation: a South Eastern General Practice Training Scheme , Waterford Regional Hospital , Waterford , Ireland.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Farrell
authors.affiliation: a South Eastern General Practice Training Scheme , Waterford Regional Hospital , Waterford , Ireland.
authors.forename: Darach
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brennan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D054521:Cultural Competency; D058006:General Practice / Q000193:education*; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007494:Ireland / Q000208:ethnology; D008295:Malawi; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Vocational training; electives; global health; international exchange