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Puerto Rican patients travel to Puerto Rico: assessing the effect on clinical care
1Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, USA.
Connecticut Medicine
|January 7, 1998
Summary
Many Puerto Rican patients travel to Puerto Rico, with longer trips often impacting their health care. Clinicians should inquire about travel plans to ensure continuous medical care for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociomedical Sciences
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Puerto Rican patients frequently travel to Puerto Rico, influenced by cultural ties.
- Understanding travel habits is crucial for assessing healthcare continuity.
Observation:
- A study surveyed 200 Puerto Rican patients about their travel habits and healthcare experiences.
- Travelers were more likely to be born in Puerto Rico and speak less English.
Findings:
- 55% of patients had traveled to Puerto Rico within five years.
- Trips exceeding one month were associated with significant changes in healthcare (59%).
Implications:
- Extended travel to Puerto Rico can lead to substantial healthcare disruptions.
- Healthcare providers should proactively discuss travel plans with Puerto Rican patients to ensure coordinated care.