The Importance of Sustainable Resources

Reflection: February 12, 2013

Today’s discussion on sustainable resources for the physicians and patients of Dominica was a very welcome one. It really helps to reflect back upon our experience in Dominica and identify the limiting factors to their access to better healthcare and ways for us to help. My fellow students and I brainstormed and came up with some ways we can make resources more readily available to practitioners in Dominica. Some ideas we came up with include the donation of more reference books and continuing education materials (ex. Pharmacist’s Letter) on a regular basis so they can keep up to date with current practice guidelines. We also agreed that the donation of a laptop to each rural clinic would greatly improve their access to information and also allow them to communicate more readily with other practitioners to discuss specific patient cases. A laptop computer would also allow them to communicate with practitioners in the U.S. (ex. consult on Skype with pharmacists/preceptors of this rotation) in order to get a second opinion on specific patient cases.

Another important discussion is that of coming up with sustainable resources to give to the patients in order for them to continually learn about their disease states. My fellow students and I came up with the idea of printing off our brochures that we created for our ‘Becoming the Expert’ topics and sending these down to Dominica regularly so they get a consistent supply of information. We can also get the nurses and practitioners at the clinic to regularly report to us what type of information the patients are requesting and create custom brochures that teach them more about their topic or concern.

            Of course, all these ideas hinge on the commitment of students and pharmacists to continually participate. Ideally, this rotation will eventually be an ongoing one where a new group of students will continually replace the last so that there is always a presence in Dominica. As of right now that is not plausible. Instead, we need to get past students and preceptors to maintain a connection with this initiative and provide help where they can. The best way to do this is to come up with a list of what needs to be achieved and have a clear understanding of who will take on each task. Technology such as Google Docs has allowed us to share this information very readily. Perhaps the creation of a liaison that is in charge of communications with a representative in Dominica and reports back to the group in the U.S. will be a good way to ensure we have regular communication with the people of Dominica. This role can see a different student taking it on each month so the responsibility is shared.

            I speak for my fellow students and myself when I say that we were truly touch inspired by the people we met and the experiences we shared in Dominica. It is vital that the experience not be limited to a 6 –week rotation but rather an ongoing and mutually beneficial relationship with them. I believe that we can achieve this together if we put our hearts and our minds to it.

- Joanne