Bridging the Gap: Including Patient Voices in Short-Term Medical Mission Evaluations.

Diana Morales,Rebecca Khamishon,Wendy Clay,Jiro Morales,Rachel Zaragoza,Reem Eldnaf,Mark Ryan,Michael Ong,Alison Trautman Nagy

doi:10.5334/aogh.2431

Diana Morales, Rebecca Khamishon + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.2431

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Abstract

Background:Several studies have evaluated short term medical missions (STMM), but most have been from the perspective of the STMM teams providing their own suggestions [1]; few surveys have assessed the perceptions of patients who seek medical care at these STMM clinics [2].Objectives:This project evaluates the efficiency, quality, and value of the services provided by a STMM clinic established in the community of Paraíso in Santo Domingo Norte, Dominican Republic, as perceived by the patients. Study results will allow organizers to make improvements to these clinics and will contribute to a broader understanding of the benefit and value of medical services provided by STMMs.Methods:A mixed method, cross-sectional survey was created which consisted of 11 questions and a medication quiz. The survey questions were based on items used in prior surveys, as well as the participant responses to those surveys, and attempted to address perceived efficiency, quality, value, and effectiveness of services provided, as well as the impact on the community.Findings:Two-hundred sixty-six patients were invited to complete the survey, and 117 (44%) were enrolled in the study. The majority of survey responses were positive and highlighted patients’ satisfaction with provider skills and communication. Of note, many responses identified longer than anticipated wait times during two portions of the patient encounter and self-reported deferral of local care to receive care with the STMM. Additionally, although average medication quiz scores were high, average scores decreased with age.Conclusions:This study brings to light patient perceptions of services at a STMM in the community of Paraíso in Santo Domingo Norte, Dominican Republic. Survey responses highlight the importance of efforts to: minimize clinic wait time; enhance collaboration between local providers and STMMs to reduce deferral of care; and improve medication knowledge among the geriatric population.

Highlights

Short-term medical missions (STMMs) can be generally defined as grassroots initiatives to provide low cost or free medical care to lower and middle-income countries [1]
The aim of this study was to evaluate patient perceptions of the efficiency, quality and value of services provided by short term medical missions (STMM) clinics in the community of Paraíso in Santo Domingo Norte, Dominican Republic, and to begin evaluating the quality of STMM team-patient communication
Study Participants A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adult patients of an STMM clinic located in Paraíso, Santo Domingo Norte, Dominican Republic, June 6–10, 2018

Summary

Introduction

Short-term medical missions (STMMs) can be generally defined as grassroots initiatives to provide low cost or free medical care to lower and middle-income countries [1]. In one study surveying health professionals, all the respondent groups cited language proficiency and cultural awareness as important for the success of STMMs, but many recognized their own limited capabilities in these areas [5] This shows that providers are aware of deficiencies in communication with patients, though they may not be aware of how this is impacting patient care. Unless providers and STMM organizers seek input from patients, there may be issues with the services of which the STMMs are unaware, and which remain unresolved This gap in published data adds to the importance of creating a patient centered evaluation of STMMs. Several studies have evaluated short term medical missions (STMM), but most have been from the perspective of the STMM teams providing their own suggestions [1]; few surveys have assessed the perceptions of patients who seek medical care at these STMM clinics [2]. Survey responses highlight the importance of efforts to: minimize clinic wait time; enhance collaboration between local providers and STMMs to reduce deferral of care; and improve medication knowledge among the geriatric population

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