Ensuring ongoing care for patients treated during short-term surgical mission trips
Thursday, February 18, 2016 - 13:31
in Health & Medicine
Each year, hundreds of orthopaedic surgeons travel to developing countries to treat and care for patients. Yet despite the successful completion of many surgical procedures on patients who may not otherwise have access to care, adequate follow-up--so critical to optimal outcomes--is not always available or guaranteed. A new study found that a sustainable patient surgical follow-up program may not only be possible, but is cost-effective in ensuring acceptable outcomes after orthopaedic mission trips, even in an austere environment.