Global health outreach during anesthesiology residency in the United States: a survey of interest, barriers to participation, and proposed solutions

Abstract Study Objective To assess the interest in and barriers to pursuing global health outreach (GHO) experiences for anesthesiology residents in the United States. Design Survey instrument. Setting Academic department of anesthesiology. Subjects Anesthesiology residents who were members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). Measurements An online survey was administered to residents in anesthesiology via the ASA membership database. Descriptive statistics, including means, frequencies, and percentages were calculated. Main Results 91% of participants indicated an interest in GHO, of whom fewer than half (44%) had done a GHO medical mission. Seventy-nine percent reported that GHO affected their current practice or education; 33% commented they were now less wasteful with supplies and resources. Permission from work or obtaining work coverage were the primary barriers for both those with and without previous GHO participation. Of all respondents, 78% agreed that the availability of a GHO residency track would influence their ranking of that program for training, and 71% would pursue a GHO fellowship if available. Conclusions Anesthesiology residents have an interest in residency and fellowship GHO programs. Formalization of GHO programs during training may reduce work-related barriers associated with GHO participation and broaden academic program recruitment.