Perioperative nursing on the Amazon River. An experience that made a difference.

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Medical Education
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• International medical collaborations facilitate learning in both directions.
• Healthcare challenges, such as resource limitations, are often universal.
• Experiences in resource-limited settings offer unique insights into medical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the continuum of learning between US medical professionals and remote areas.
• To emphasize the transferable skills of operating room nurses in international settings.
• To highlight the profound impact of medical interventions in underserved regions.

Main Methods:

• A conference was held following a team's visit to a remote area.
• Qualitative observations and reflections on the experience of working in a different healthcare system.
• Comparison of medical practices and challenges in the US versus a remote region.

Main Results:

• A continuum of learning was observed in both directions between the US and the remote area.
• Many medical problems and frustrations are common worldwide.
• Significant improvements in general population health were noted compared to previous visits.
• Operating room nursing skills proved transferable despite differences in instrumentation nomenclature.

Conclusions:

• Medical professionals can make a tangible difference in underserved areas.
• Operating room nursing skills are universally applicable and valuable.
• The impact of healthcare interventions is more pronounced in regions with limited resources.