The last contact we have with our patients is often discussing and dispensing their medications. This session will examine barriers and provide strategies to address cross-cultural: communication with patients, issues in appropriate patient medication use, and methods to provide clear instructions when counseling patients on medications.
The needs of long-term expatriate workers are quite different from those of the short-term worker. Long-term strategies include more flexible malaria prophylaxis regimens (covering high risk seasons), self treatment options for diarrhea and malaria, additional disease concerns (Japanese encephalitis, rabies) and dealing with mental health issues such as culture shock and depression.
Caring for Asian patients from other cultures offers some unique challenges, whether these are recent immigrants to the U.S. or patients seen in overseas settings. Language is just the first obstacle and often professional interpreters are a necessity. Cultural expectations differ by country. High context Asian cultures can make it difficult to communicate even after language issues are resolved. Many illnesses present differently with physical complaints often masking mental health concerns. Familiarity with various Asian culture bound syndromes is essential.
Regardless of your background, short-term and long-term, medical and non-medical mission workers alike are going to be faced with dental emergencies. Determining the course of action, including proper diagnosis and treatment, along with knowing when and where to refer when necessary, is important to patient health. This course will cover potential dental emergencies that may present as well as stress the importance of understanding the local health care system and the professionals working within that system.
Learning objectives:
1) List potential dental emergencies, presenting signs and symptoms and appropriate treatment
2) Articulate the importance of understanding the local health care system when working cross-culturally
Abdominal surgery in Africa will focus on the incidence, diagnosis and the medical/surgical management of the most common clinical problems. The availability of medical personnel, facilities, and equipment will be discussed as well as the long-term need for surgical training.
