Journal Article

Exploring the impact of the Global Community-Based Education (G-CBE) program at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Rwanda: insights from the inaugural cohort

Uwimana, Aimable, Ndangurura, Denys, Isano, Sandra, Grace, Iliza Ndatinya, Renzaho, Jean Nepomuscene, Bitalabeho, Florence Akiiki

2024

Overview

Background and context Community-Based Education (CBE) integrates practical experiences within community settings to deepen students’ understanding of real-world issues. In July 2023, the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) launched the Global Community-Based Education (G-CBE) program, designed to immerse international students in diverse settings across Rwanda and enhance their grasp of social determinants of health, community health and social medicine. Objectives This study explores the experiences and perceptions of the first cohort of the G-CBE program at UGHE. It aims to evaluate how the program influenced the learning, career development, and understanding of community health for the 10 participating students. Methods Qualitative methods were employed, including 10 in-depth interviews (IDIs) to gather insights into the participants’ experiences and the perceived benefits of the G-CBE program. Key findings Students reported gaining a comprehensive understanding of social determinants of health, developing a strong appreciation for community-driven approaches, and acquiring practical skills through hands-on experiences. The program also broadened their global health perspective and heightened their awareness of health inequities. Conclusion The findings underscore the significance of immersive community-based learning in global health education. The students’ experiences will inform ongoing improvements to the G-CBE program, enhancing its effectiveness in preparing future health professionals.

• Publisher: BioMed Central,Springer Nature B.V,BMC
• Subject: Access to Health Care / Active Learning / Agricultural Skills / Allied Health Occupations Education / Career Development / Classrooms / Cohort Studies / Colleges & universities / Community Education / Community health care / Community Influence / Community Involvement / Community-based education / Curriculum / Data analysis / Data collection / Economic Factors / Education / Educational Environment / Educational Facilities Improvement / Experiential learning / Female / Field Experience Programs / Field Instruction / Global health / Global Health - education / Health Equity / Health facilities / Health Services / Humans / Interviews / Learner Engagement / Male / Medical Education / Medical personnel / Medicine / Needs Assessment / Place Based Education / Professionals / Program Evaluation / Public Health / Qualitative Research / Research design / Rwanda / Semi Structured Interviews / Skills / Social Determinants of Health / Students / Theory of Medicine/Bioethics / Universities