The lengths of service for volunteers in each organization varied from a few weeks to years. Renewable multiyear agreements with formalized contracts were available for some missionary organizations and university medical faculties. For the purpose of this study, organizations were divided into short (under 2 months), medium (2 to 6 months), and long-term volunteer (longer than 6 month) assignments.

Compensation by these organizations to medical professionals also varied. This study included but was not limited to organizations that offered no remuneration or subsistence level stipends.

Respondents identified a number of challenges to long-term partnering. This category includes obstacles to cooperation that can arise as a result of differences in organizational structure, expectations, and cultures between partnering organizations.