Individual Physician versus Team-Based Medical Encounters: Maximizing the Efficiency of a Medical Relief Service in Rural Honduras. (5th July 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Whitney, Rachel; Stevens, Michael; Bearman, Gonzalo
• Other Names: Muris Jean W. M. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of family medicine. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-07-05
• Subjects: Family medicine -- Periodicals; Family Practice; Family medicine; Periodical; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1155/2011/852963
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-2042

Abstract

Abstract : Background . For several years, the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Department of Internal Medicine has traveled to the towns of La Hicaca and Coyoles in rural Honduras. In 2010, a new encounter method was employed during the brigade in Coyoles. Objectives . To examine the differences in clinical encounters and adherence with chronic diseases and public health screening between the traditional and team-based encounter methods. Methods . Chi-square analysis was used to determine statistical significance between encounter methods over several variables used in the standard interview form. Results . 314 patients were interviewed using the team-based approach, and 153 patients were interviewed with the traditional model. Statistically significant increases in compliance using the team-based method were observed with diabetes screening and selecting candidacy for antihelminthic therapy. Other variables with significantly increased compliance using the team-based method were compliance with checking a blood glucose value, diagnosing GERD, and prescribing medication such as analgesics and multivitamins. Conclusion . Our results show a statistically significant increase in compliance with data collection and clinical screening using the new team-based encounter method. This design provides a more goal-oriented approach to the patient interview. These data will help guide more effective delivery of health care on future medical relief trips to Honduras.