[Medical clearance for missions abroad (EEU): definitions, recommendations for use and performance]

Area of Science:

• Occupational Medicine
• International Health
• Travel Medicine

Background:

• Current medical clearance standards for international missions in German-speaking countries are ill-defined, relying on the outdated concept of

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a new, comprehensive standard for medical clearance for all types of international missions, termed "Entsendungstauglichkeitsuntersuchung" (clearance of fitness for mission abroad).
• To develop a modular examination structure adaptable to diverse institutional and mission requirements, optimizing resource allocation.
• To provide recommendations for client eligibility and professional qualifications for conducting these assessments, considering varying legal and economic frameworks in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

Main Methods:

• Development of a modular medical examination protocol for international mission fitness.
• Analysis of differing legal and economic requirements in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
• Formulation of recommendations for client selection and examiner qualifications.

Main Results:

• A new standard, "Entsendungstauglichkeitsuntersuchung," is defined, replacing the limited "Tropentauglichkeit" (tropical fitness).
• A modular examination structure is proposed for efficient and tailored medical assessments.
• Guidelines are provided for client identification and professional roles in the assessment process.

Conclusions:

• The proposed "Entsendungstauglichkeitsuntersuchung" offers a standardized, adaptable, and resource-optimized approach to medical clearance for international missions.
• This framework addresses the limitations of previous standards and accommodates diverse global work environments.
• Recommendations for implementation and pre-travel prophylactic advice are integral to the new standard.