Extending the Vision of Short-Term Medical Teams

Short-term medical teams (STMTs), serving for a week or two, often do not partner with the local health care system. As a result, nationals receive poor care coordination and duplication of medical services (Green, Green, Scandlyn, & Kestler, 2009). This article offers a care model and collaboration alternatives to support coordinated care. Experience: An STMT composed of 15 health care professionals provided care at a local camp in rural Guatemala. The pre-trip preparation included securing supplies and communicating with another STMT that visits the camp each year. Results: The Guatemala medical team treated 494 patients and dispensed 989 medications. Despite communication with a previous STMT, possible duplication of services occurred with an absence of medical follow-up. Analysis: Evaluation of the STMT's experience involved analyzing the number of people seen and medications dispensed, reflecting on conversations with local health care providers and patient. Discussion: The STMT's goal was to provide care to people living in poverty. Unfortunately, team members learned that their unfamiliarity with the local medical system resulted in duplication of services. If sustainable care is to occur, future teams should use a care model and collaborate with the local health care professionals.