A comparison of MEDRETE practice content to U.S. ambulatory care

A U.S. military medical team spent 2 weeks providing medical care in a rural area in Bolivia. Records of presenting complaints and physician diagnoses were kept for 2,169 patients seen during the exercises. Patients seen in Bolivia were younger than in typical U.S. clinics, with 53% being less than 15 years old. Digestive system complaints were the reason for 35% of the visits, compared to 5% in U.S. clinics. Diagnoses made more often than expected on the Bolivian expedition included gastroenteritis, peptic diseases, low back pain, and headaches. Supply and personnel needs are greatly influenced by these patient characteristics.