{
  "abstract": "Background Global health partnerships involve collaboration between institutions and individuals working in different contexts, typically between high-resource and low-resource settings. They are based on principles of mutual learning, play an important role in emergency care systems strengthening and are increasingly being delivered online. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of online learning in an emergency care partnership between Uganda and the UK through assessment of virtual grand rounds (VGRs).Methods A qualitative study was undertaken using a constructivist approach based on applicability to learning in medical education and complex social environments. Kirkpatrick’s model of evaluation was used as a theoretical framework for determining effectiveness. Purposive sampling was used to guide recruitment, and semistructured interviews were undertaken with emergency practitioners involved in the VGRs programme. Interviews were transcribed and interpreted through iterative thematic analysis. Codes were developed deductively through critical literature review and inductively based on participant experiences.Results 12 interviews were conducted with facilitators, presenters and learners from both Uganda and the UK. Participants included senior doctors, residents, nurses and Ministry of Health representatives. Four core themes emerged: (1) VGRs can be used to support global emergency medicine education. Learning occurs through sharing experience, interaction and discussion. (2) Success depends on stakeholder engagement. (3) Technical factors can act as barriers and facilitators and are integral to effectiveness and (4) VGRs have impact beyond education including areas of multidisciplinary work and health system strengthening.Conclusion This study found that the VGR format is an effective method for online learning and has relevance to emergency care in all contexts. Factors were identified that have applicability to partnership programmes beyond emergency care including health system strengthening, specialty development and sustainability.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "The University of Manchester Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute, Manchester, England, UK",
        "Emergency Department, Leighton Hospital, Crewe, England, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Richard Lowsby"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Uganda UK Health Alliance, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Henry Muwonge"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Anaesthesia and Emergency Department, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Faith Komagum"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Emergency Department, St Mary’s Hospital Lacor, Gulu, Uganda"
      ],
      "name": "Lenia Maurine"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Emergency Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK",
        "The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Shweta Gidwani"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Royal College of Emergency Medicine, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Andrew Fryer"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "The University of Manchester Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute, Manchester, England, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Martin Parham"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Online learning and emergency global health partnerships: a qualitative study of virtual grand rounds",
  "uid": "84894fac-ff69-5d98-999a-2f48dcce5d55"
}