Creating a sustainable mission

Background: Medical missions have become a part of the Global Health Programs at many academic institutions. Commonly these programs involve annual trips to locations in the United States and around the world. The University of Toledo Medical Center (UTMC) sought to develop a sustainable mission that has educational and clinical value to both the local community and academic institution. Methods: The Department of Emergency Medicine at UTMC has worked with Salud Total, a small health clinic in La Ceiba, Honduras. Salud Total is staffed by a general practitioner, nurse and ancillary staff. During a mission the clinical volume increases over 100 patients a day. UTMC staff and senior ED residents see general medical complaints and perform small surgical procedures. Specialists, such as cardiologists and obstetricians see those needing specialty care. Education is provided in the form of bedside clinical teaching and materials distributed to staff and patients. Results: This mission has provided clinical services to an underserved population, providing specialty medical care that otherwise was unavailable to these patients. Returning every 3 to 4 months allows the mission team to follow-up on treatment or procedures initiated on prior visits and provides the opportunity to advance clinical care through ongoing teaching and education. Conclusions: Through our approach, we have enhanced clinical capabilities, increased the knowledge and skill set of the local practitioner as well as provided education to the patient and local community. Future expansion involves incorporation of telemedicine to provide real-time support for this clinic population and medical staff.