Internationalization of medical education in low and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE This scoping review will systematically map and synthesize the existing literature on the internationalization of medical education (IoME) within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

INTRODUCTION IoME is increasingly recognized as a core component of modern medical education, especially in the context of recent global health crises such as COVID-19. IoME is typically implemented through international collaboration, mobility programs, global health content, and international accreditation. Literature indicates that LMICs engage with IoME through student exchange, joint degrees, and curriculum alignment with global standards.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Guided by the Jonna Briggs Institute (JBI) population, concept, context (PCC) framework, this review will include literature on tertiary medical education within LMICs (as per the World Bank classification at the time of the search). Included studies must address aspects of IoME, such as curriculum internationalization, student and faculty mobility, institutional partnerships, accreditation, or related policies. Peer-reviewed and gray literature in English from 2000 onward will be eligible for inclusion.

METHODS A 3-step search strategy will be used to conduct the i) initial search; ii) comprehensive database search (MEDLINE [PubMed], Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, Google Scholar, Embase [Ovid] and ScienceDirect); and iii) citation tracking. Dual independent screening (title/abstract, then full text) will be performed with piloted calibration; disagreements will be resolved by consensus or with a third reviewer. Data will be charted on a standardized, piloted form and synthesized narratively with evidence mapping. No formal critical appraisal is planned, consistent with JBI guidance for scoping reviews.

REVIEW REGISTRATION OSF https://osf.io/n6ftm/overview.