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Table 2 Guideline elements, frequency of mention, and Derived Core Principles

From: Guidelines for responsible short-term global health activities: developing common principles

Guideline elements

Element frequency

Derived core principles

Volunteer motivations

8

Appropriate recruitment, preparation and supervision of volunteers.

Recruitment of volunteers

6

Preparation in cultural competency/language/cultural humility

23

Adequate supervision and limits for students. Participants

17

Volunteer safety

15

Matching volunteers’ skills with community/placement needs

10

Post-participation debriefing/re-entry support

5

Pre-trip volunteer technical job skills preparation

4

Partnerships, collaborations

19

A host partner that defines the program, including the needs to be addressed and the role of the host community in directing and teaching the volunteers.

Needs assessment

14

Clear statement of goals/agreement on purpose

12

Avoid replacing local staff and workers

7

Mutuality of respect and learning between hosts/guests

6

Sustainability: capacity building, training of local staff

16

Sustainability and continuity of programming

Continuity of program/care

10

Multi-week stay

5

Ethical principles for patient care

15

Respect for governance, ethical and legal practices.

Attention to legal and governance issues

12

Appropriate use of equipment and drugs

9

Logistics/specifics of planning

10

Financial transparency

7

Evaluation of impact on host community

13

Regular evaluation of programs for impact and revisions made accordingly, based on data and analysis

Student learning/volunteer benefit

9