We’ve touched on utilizing mobile clinics a few times in the course. \u00a0For the most part, we discussed it in a US context, but this could hold true for other areas of the world that have the quality of infrastructure that is required for an automobile.<\/p>\n
In Beatrice’s presentation, we talked about utilizing mobile clinics on the reservation for American Indians. \u00a0The wide and vast acres of land in AZ may require providers to meet women in their location for prenatal visits. \u00a0An Emory alumna once told me that she likes to “meet patients where they’re at”. \u00a0She meant this in terms of knowledge about their health, but I think this is equally as important in the literal sense. \u00a0In Eric’s presentation of urban vs. rural care, we saw that mobile clinics can be helpful as well. \u00a0I believe the example we saw was primary care provided to a rural W. VA community. \u00a0In our MCH Safe Motherhood Malawi example, it was important for the nurse to gather in the village so the women could ask questions. \u00a0Another example of mobile clinics–my best friend from college does breast screenings on a bus that also provides mammograms to women in 4 boroughs of NYC. \u00a0In all these cases, you are bringing necessary care to the people that need it.<\/p>\n
With respect to birth, I think prenatal visits are completely feasible and realistic for these American Indian populations or anyone else who may live in a very rural area. \u00a0Similar to what we saw in Eric’s video, the visits can include disbursement of medication like prenatal vitamins and such. \u00a0Mammogram and screening type appointments are also appropriate. \u00a0What is the solution, though, when a woman gets further along in her pregnancy? \u00a0What if complications occur between visits? \u00a0Whose responsibility is this\/shoulders does this fall on? \u00a0In our society of finger-pointing, I think having mobile clinics can actually be very risky. \u00a0I would hate to see the provider saying s\/he left the woman in good condition and the woman saying why didn’t s\/he catch this problem when s\/he saw me? \u00a0Also, what if the mobile clinic is bringing important medications to people and doesn’t make it out to the community for some reason? \u00a0That can be life-threatening. \u00a0I know IHS currently only collaborates with certain pharmacies, but perhaps getting a contract with a company like Express Scripts who delivers to the door might help and decrease gaps in medication.<\/p>\n
Obviously, the best idea would be to build a clinic in these communities and convince healthcare providers to be there 2-3 or even 5 days a week, but what can we do in the interim that is not so risky? \u00a0And in the interim with our mobile clinic prenatal visits, what would happen when it comes time for a woman to deliver? \u00a0I’d like to see what people think out there, because I have been contemplating on this for weeks now and still haven’t brainstormed of any good ideas.<\/p>\n
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We’ve touched on utilizing mobile clinics a few times in the course. \u00a0For the most part, we discussed it in a US context, but this could hold true for other areas of the world that have the quality of infrastructure … Continue reading