Bridging the Gap: Including Patient Voices in Short-Term Medical Mission Evaluations

BACKGROUND: Several studies have evaluated short term medical missions (STMM), but most have been from the perspective of the STMM teams providing their own suggestions [1]; few surveys have assessed the perceptions of patients who seek medical care at these STMM clinics [2]. OBJECTIVES: This project evaluates the efficiency, quality, and value of the services provided by a STMM clinic established in the community of Paraíso in Santo Domingo Norte, Dominican Republic, as perceived by the patients. Study results will allow organizers to make improvements to these clinics and will contribute to a broader understanding of the benefit and value of medical services provided by STMMs. METHODS: A mixed method, cross-sectional survey was created which consisted of 11 questions and a medication quiz. The survey questions were based on items used in prior surveys, as well as the participant responses to those surveys, and attempted to address perceived efficiency, quality, value, and effectiveness of services provided, as well as the impact on the community. FINDINGS: Two-hundred sixty-six patients were invited to complete the survey, and 117 (44%) were enrolled in the study. The majority of survey responses were positive and highlighted patients’ satisfaction with provider skills and communication. Of note, many responses identified longer than anticipated wait times during two portions of the patient encounter and self-reported deferral of local care to receive care with the STMM. Additionally, although average medication quiz scores were high, average scores decreased with age. CONCLUSIONS: This study brings to light patient perceptions of services at a STMM in the community of Paraíso in Santo Domingo Norte, Dominican Republic. Survey responses highlight the importance of efforts to: minimize clinic wait time; enhance collaboration between local providers and STMMs to reduce deferral of care; and improve medication knowledge among the geriatric population.