The training of healthcare professionals shapes the way they relate to their patients, patients’ families and the communities they serve. But what if that training doesn’t fit the circumstances the professionals work in?
I’ve been working in higher education in South Africa and internationally for over 20 years. During this time, my colleagues and I have introduced our students in various health and social care professions to training modules that are based on theory, models and frameworks from the global north. For example the curriculum has a strong focus on an individual’s performance. As a result, health professionals will look for those same behaviours in their colleagues, and unconsciously expect patients and communities to engage in that same individualistic way.
