Time to UNPACK: Understanding Needs in Post-Rotation Activities and Coaching Kit—A Global Health Elective Rotation Debriefing Curriculum

Formalized debriefing after travel is a critical component of medical global health elective rotations (GHERs), but evidence-based processes are lacking, resulting in significant variability among institutions. There is increasing attention to the need for learner debriefing that can address both emotional and cognitive components of their experience. Our multi-institution workgroup reviewed best practices in debriefing simulation-based learning and acute clinical events, the role of narrative reflective writing on learning and professional identity formation, and the unique components of global health debriefing. Utilizing Kern's six-step process of curriculum design, we developed a comprehensive curriculum to support implementation of rigorous post-rotation debriefing in global health education programs. The resulting Understanding Needs in Post-rotation Activities and Coaching Kit modules consist of peer-reviewed activities to address five critical elements of a robust GHER debriefing program. These include institution/organizational structure, learner debrief preparation, conducting the debriefing session (addressing emotional and cognitive components), facilitating mental health support, and bringing experiences back to partner institutions. We outline the piloting process and next steps for curricular evaluation.