(3) Challenges in Apia (Samoa):
(a) Many local providers went on vacation during our scheduled visit.
(b) Expectations in the villages were for clinical care; patients were lined
up before we arrived.
(c) One group was 2 hours late the first day due to transportation issues,
creating a chilly reception by the HN throughout the event.
(d) Inadequate diagnostic equipment available.
(e) PP13 staff without pre-brief regarding common illness in Samoa.
(f) Pharmacy supplies were inadequate for common dx.
(g) Hospitals overstaffed, village clinics understaffed.
(h) Inadequate communication between event and beach detachment.
(i) Medical was not included in HA/DR planning conference. Support was
requested from Civil Affairs (CA) just 2 days prior to event.
(j) Quality of LDS translators varied. They had no medical translation
skills.
(k) Veterinary supplies were wet from transit on ship from Hawaii to
Samoa.
(l) Veterinary events were not matched with HN expectations or needs.
(m) No transportation or communication (cells phones) were planned for
VET activities.
(n) Need more advertisement of spay/neutering events for max participation.
(o) Preventive Medicine arrived prior to the ship. They had no communication with the ship prior to arrival. There were no arrangements made for hotel,
transport from airport, or water prior to arrival on island.
(p) HN needs thermometers for adequate food safety. Previously ordered
for mission; however, fell off the priority list.
(q) Vector surveillance lacked any space on the ship for equipment; no
lab, no microscopes.
(4) Successes in Apia (Samoa):
(a) POC for Special Olympics again very engaged. PP13 supported the
event.
(b) HN expectations were for clinical care; however, OICs were flexible
and able to adapt and maintain the focus of the mission. For example, at one
clinically focused site, it was recognized that patients were largely presenting
with back pain, viral URIs, and concerns regarding diabetes and HTN. PP13
staff provided targeted community health education in small groups, targeting
these chief complaints.
(c) Nursing Symposium very well received. Six topics previously
requested by HN nursing leaders were presented to small groups rotating.
Everyone very engaged. Exit surveys collected from HN participants showed
very high levels of satisfaction and perception of value.
(d) OICs reassigned staff from hospitals to village clinics as needed to
manage workloads.
(e) Optometry in high demand and major draw for most events.
(f) PP13 staff engaged nurses and para-professionals whenever possible,
especially in the absence of doctors, dentists, etc.
(g) Water Quality: Partnered with Peace Corps to continue water filter
installation post PP13.
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