Global Health Education and Advocacy: Using BMJ Case Reports to Tackle the Social Determinants of Health.

Nathan T Douthit,Seema Biswas

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2018.00114

Abstract

Since 2013, BMJ Case Reports (http://casereports.bmj.com/) has published over 70 global health case reports from five continents, written by doctors, nurses, students, and allied health professionals. These cases, a burgeoning repository of evidence of how real patients are affected by disease, trauma, violence, sexual assault, conflict, migration, adverse living and working conditions, and poor access to health care, discuss, in addition to clinicopathological findings, the global health problems affecting each patient. The global health problem analysis examines the problems of individual patients, critically appraises the literature, and describes actual and potential solutions for the patient, the local community, and patients affected by similar issues across the world. At present global health literature and learning materials lack a patient focus and real-life context in the analysis of global health problems. BMJ Case Reports global health case reports are a unique and important tool to learn about and advocate for change in the social, political, cultural, and financial determinants of health as they affect real patients. This growing evidence base brings together clinicians, local service providers, policy makers, and government and non-governmental institutions to effect real change in patients’ lives toward improving health. Each global health case report is an excellent resource for learning, and together, these case reports provide essential reading for anyone embarking on a career in global health, and writing their own case report. The online course (http://casereports.bmj.com/site/misc/GHMA_Mar_2017.pptx) at BMJ Case Reports uses these cases and is free to access.

Highlights

Imagine a typical chronically ill patient who sees his doctor half an hour every three months
BMJ Case Reports’ global health case reports form such a repository, providing real evidence of the need for change, a resource for teaching students and clinicians about the real causes of disease—the social determinants of health, and evidence of how real individuals are affected by public and global health issues— individuals living with disease and disability
Global health practitioners are tomorrow’s leaders, change agents and members of effective multiprofessional teams and so need to be aware of the environmental, cultural, social and political factors that impact on health, serving as advocates of people’s rights to access resources, education and healthcare. [88]

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Imagine a typical chronically ill patient who sees his doctor half an hour every three months. BMJ Case Reports’ global health case reports form such a repository, providing real evidence of the need for change, a resource for teaching students and clinicians about the real causes of disease—the social determinants of health, and evidence of how real individuals are affected by public and global health issues— individuals living with disease and disability. In dealing with disease professionals must address these determinants of ill health by helping their patients to make better choices It is the responsibility of a global health provider to practise health or humanitarian diplomacy by advocating for better standards of living and work, better access to health care, and equity in health-care service provision [6].

BACKGROUND

Findings

CONCLUSION