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Table 2 Key recommendations for Project Salud y Paz from GH and ACP standards assessment

From: Applying global standards to short-term global health clinical experiences: the case of Project Salud y Paz

Shared themes and recommendations

Preparation and supervision (GH principle 1 / ACP Positions 3 and 4)

• The responsibilities for specific components of orientation between client NGOs and SYP should be spelled out so as to be comprehensive and complementary.

Host partner that defines the program and ensures that the burdens on local resources are minimized (GH Principle 2 /ACP Positions 2 and 3)

• Affirm host-country representation on the board.

• Maintain the one-week limitation for traveling teams.

Sustainable and continuous programs that lend themselves to professionalism and ethical conduct (GH Principle 3 / ACP Position 5)

• Consult village leadership to identify appropriate candidates for the role of village advocates.

• Deconstruct the traveling team timing trap.

• Increase the number of visiting surgical teams in collaborative efforts.

Respect for local governance, standards and ethics (GH Principle 4 / ACP Position 3)

• SYP should seek written guidance from the MoH on the legality of US physicians administering care to Guatemalan citizens.

• The Guatemalan medical director should collect and vet the credentials of all traveling licensed personnel prior to travel.

Regular evaluation of programs for impact specifically focused on healthcare (GH Principle 5 /ACP Position 1)

• SYP should court medical, surgical, and dental team sources that lack a host partner that is as well-organized.

• Explore technologies that expand capacity and quality economically.

• Maintain review and action loop of the board and medical committee.

• Seek guidance through CUGH on strategy for capacity building before taking on an educational role.

Mutuality of learning and respect for local health professionals and their essential contributions (GH Principle 6 / ACP Position 3)

• Traveling and contracted physicians should pre-brief together on the eve of travel to review expectations and strategies in medical encounters.