Challenges and Opportunities in Developing a Comprehensive, Rural, Trauma-Care Program: Experiences from Nepal

Authors

Ramu Kharel, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI.
Mandeep Pathak, Medical and Surgical Director, Orthopedic Surgery, Bayalpata Hospital, Nyaya Health Nepal, Achham, Nepal.
Derek Lubetkin, Coastal Maine Global Health Fellowship, Pen Bay Medical Center, MaineHealth, Rockport, Maine.
Bibhav Acharya, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA; Co-Founder and Mental Health Advisor, Possible, a non-profit corporation, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2024

Institution/Department

MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital

Journal Title

Rhode Island medical journal (2013)

MeSH Headings

Nepal; Humans; Wounds and Injuries (therapy); Emergency Medical Services (organization & administration); Rural Health Services (organization & administration); Rural Population; Program Development

Abstract

Traumatic injury remains a significant public health problem, with the burden highest in low-middle income countries (LMICs) and rural areas.1,2 The far-western region of Nepal, which has the lowest human development index in the country, has a high burden of traumatic injuries.3-5 One hospital in the far-western district of Achham, Bayalpata Hospital, cares for the majority of patients with traumatic injuries - most of whom arrive without any pre-hospital care. The absence of a professionalized pre-hospital program, such as an established Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system, necessitates creative strategies to address this gap.6,7 In this context, implementing a trauma-training program for community health responders (CHRs) offers a promising solution, leveraging local resources to improve early-stage trauma care.

First Page

39

Last Page

42

Recommended Citation

Kharel R, Pathak M, Lubetkin D, Acharya B. Challenges and Opportunities in Developing a Comprehensive, Rural, Trauma-Care Program: Experiences from Nepal. R I Med J (2013). 2024;107(10):39-42. Published 2024 Oct 1.