March Student Features 2013

Kate Pearson, third-year student, VCU School of Medicine

Pearson presented her research on satisfaction with short-term medical brigade care at the Consortium of Universities for Global Health's annual conference in Washington, D.C., on March 14.

Pearson surveyed patients who received care at the Honduras Outreach Medical Brigada Relief Effort (HOMBRE)/ VCU Global Health and Health Disparities Program (GH2DP) clinics in the Department of Yoro, Honduras, in 2011. Her survey was a pilot project designed to identify key areas where VCU students and professional volunteers can improve the care they provide during their annual medical relief trips, as well as to identify areas where health education efforts can be bolstered.

Twenty-three surveys were collected. Although the majority of patients noted satisfaction with the care provided, the survey helped to identify some key areas for future improvement. The majority of patients (70 percent) desired more frequent clinics (2-3 times/ year), and the following were noted as areas to provide more health education: water purification (68 percent), dental care (61 percent), mental and emotional health (52 percent) and nutrition (52 percent).

Pearson's data will help the development of targeted health education messages on the upcoming May-June 2013 brigade and will serve as a platform for a larger survey that will help improve care.

 

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