The Perils and Promise of Short-Term Healthcare Missions

Abstract

Short-term healthcare missions have the potential to help and, sadly, also to harm. Pharmacy driven missions where the focus is on medication distribution can lead to disastrous consequences when standards of care are not followed; respecting best practices can help ensure better outcomes for recipients of care. Focusing on health education through community health fairs can be a more effective and safe way to impact the health of developing communities.