title: Factors to Consider When Planning Short-Term Global Health Work.
abstract: Volunteer opportunities in short-term global health work can be rewarding experiences, but careful planning and preparation are vital. Potential problems to avoid include ineffective, harmful care; cultural ego-centrism; and lack of sustainability and cost effectiveness. Short-term global health work is most effective when the focus is on ongoing sustainable projects that include a long-term commitment and partnership with host communities.
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, TX. Electronic address: patricia.olenick@ttuhsc.edu.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Olenick
authors.affiliation: Texas Woman's University in Houston, TX.
authors.forename: Joan E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Edwards
mesh_terms: D003906:Developing Countries; D014943:Global Health; D006285:Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008493:Medical Missions / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: global health; short-term medical missions; volunteer work