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Needs assessment and staff education to effect long-term change in emergency medicine in rural Nepal

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

Valerie F. Krym  and
Russell D. MacDonald
Valerie F. Krym
Affiliation:
Centre for International Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., and Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
Russell D. MacDonald*
Affiliation:
Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont., and Ontario Air Ambulance Base Hospital Program, Division of Prehospital Care, Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ont.
*
Central Region Ontario Air Ambulance Base Hospital Program, 1120 Finch Ave. W, Ste. 405, Toronto ON M3J 3H7; 416 667-2200, fax 416 667-2229, rmacdonald@basehospital.on.ca

Abstract

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Medical work in developing countries is challenging and rewarding. To make a lasting impact on the local community, a health care worker must be willing to listen to the needs of the people. The long-term impact of a needs assessment and staff education on emergency medicine at a rural hospital in Nepal is presented.

The Scheer Memorial Hospital is a 102-bed non-governmental, not-for-profit hospital in Banepa, Nepal. Nepalese and ex-patriot health care professionals staff the hospital. Medical supplies are obtained from local manufacturers or as donations from foreign organizations. The hospital waives fees for those who cannot afford care.

Two academic emergency physicians with expertise in international health undertook a needs assessment to assist in planning for long-term health care goals related to emergency medicine. The assessment focused on health care planning and education of the local health care staff. Based on interviews and objective assessments, a plan was developed and implemented to address 4 key areas: physical plant, equipment, staff training and essential tasks.

Sustainable positive change was accomplished by acknowledging local customs and standards of care, meeting the needs of local health care staff and using available resources.

Keywords

Nepalneeds assessmenteducationinternational emergency medicine
Type
International EM • MU Internationale
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 6 , Issue 4 , July 2004 , pp. 266 - 270
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2004

References

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