A retrospective chart review study was conducted to evaluate health outcomes after a nurse-led short-term medical mission group provided free health care in four communities in Kingston, Jamaica over a four-year period. Participants were adult patients who had visited short-term medical mission clinics at least twice and were diagnosed with hypertension and/or diabetes. Blood pressure (BP) and blood sugar (BS) results along with factors including adherence and control per guidelines were analyzed using descriptive, t-tests and chi-square analysis. The data revealed that overall BP and BS measurements trended down, and there was a significant decrease in BP in patients with uncontrolled hypertension at the first visit. Medication adherence between the visits and gender had a statistically significant impact on BP and BS control. Outcomes suggest short-term medical missions are an effective model to address hypertension and diabetes in developing countries when using a sustainable approach.
Watson S. M., & Ferrillo H. (2021). Effectiveness of short-term medical missions on chronic disease in underserved communities. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 43(4), 323-329. Doi:10.1177/0193945920944809
Published online ahead of print 2020 July 22.
This work was supported by the Sacred Heart University Research/Creative Grant.