Standardized training in nurse model travel clinics
Theresa A Sofarelli1, Jane H Ricks, Rahul Anand
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84132-2405, USA. theresa.sofarelli@hsc.utah.edu
Journal of Travel Medicine
|January 5, 2011
Summary
Highly trained nurses in travel clinics provide standardized pre-travel care. This program uses initial training, protocols, and continuing education to ensure quality care for international travelers.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Travel Medicine
Background:
- International travel facilitates disease emergence and spread.
- Travel medicine clinics are crucial for preventing travel-related morbidity and mortality.
- Effective management and staff training are key to successful travel clinic operations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the operational and management strategies of a statewide travel clinic program.
- To highlight the role of training and continuing education in delivering consistent patient care.
- To present a model for coordinating travel medicine services across multiple clinic sites.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of an initial training program for all clinic staff.
- Utilization of standardized forms, protocols, and preprinted prescriptions.
- Establishment of routine chart reviews and monthly continuing education meetings.
- Infectious disease physician and physician assistant consultation for travel nurses.
Main Results:
- Eight clinics statewide served approximately 6,000 travelers annually.
- Eleven nurses, including registered nurses (RNs) and a licensed practical nurse (LPN), provided pre-travel medical services.
- High adherence to training: 64% of nurses managed over 10 patients weekly.
- Quality assurance indicated a low error rate of 0.5% for vaccines or prescriptions.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive training program, standardized protocols, and ongoing education enable nurses to deliver high-quality, standardized pre-travel care.
- This model demonstrates the effectiveness of a coordinated approach to travel medicine services.
- The program successfully supports international travelers originating from Utah.
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