Core competencies for health professionals in global health

Abstract

IntroductionThe world is becoming increasingly globalised and this has a major impact on the delivery of healthcare. Issues such as conflict, migration, climate change and technological advances all contribute to this. But are we equipped to deal with the challenges of Global Health?ObjectivesTo discuss the core competencies that health professionals should have in Global Health.MethodsThe UK's Global Health Curriculum Group (GHCG), a group of healthcare professionals, was commissioned by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges to lead a consultation on global health competencies. The consultation took the form of a modified Policy Delphi which involved an online survey and face-to-face and telephone interviews over three rounds. Over 250 stakeholders participated, including doctors, other health professionals, policymakers and members of the public from all continents of the world.ResultsThis study demonstrated broad agreement that global health competence is essential for postgraduate doctors and other health professionals. It identified five core competencies, relevant to the UK and applicable to other parts of the world: (1) diversity, human rights and ethics; (2) environmental, social and economic determinants of health; (3) global epidemiology; (4) global health governance; and (5) health systems and health professionals.ConclusionsThis framework of five core competencies aims to equip psychiatrists and other doctors with the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to practice in a globalised world.In the workshop we will harness the international nature of the delegates attending the congress to enable a lively debate about the meaning of global mental health and the skills psychiatrists need.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.