Medical-surgical nursing at the 86th Combat Support Hospital (2007-2009) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom:...

A descriptive study of the patients admitted to the host nation intermediate care ward (ICW) of the 86th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq was performed. A retrospective chart review was conducted of the patients admitted to the host nation ward between June 2 and September 5, 2008. One hundred and forty host nation patients were included in the study. Patient demographics, origin of admission, length of stay, and disposition of patient are reported. The types of illnesses and injuries most commonly seen as well as the most common surgical procedures are also reported. This study details the nursing care provided to host nation armed forces and civilians during a 3-month period of the deployment of the 86th CSH in Baghdad, Iraq. Information gained from this study is important for predeployment training and readiness of nurses preparing to deploy to Iraq.