Emergency medicine clinics of North America
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Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. · Feb 2005
ReviewInternational humanitarian assistance: where do emergency physicians belong?
As human civilization faces new and challenging humanitarian crises, the entrance of EPs into the realm of HA is needed and timely. As noted by Jennifer Leaning [35], an EP at Harvard University, "Medical and public health personnel who respond to these crises enter a domain of perilous complexity. Road maps do not exist, but the possibility of good favors the prepared mind." Thus, with proper training in the principles of public health and experience, EPs have a tremendous opportunity to affect the realm of international HA, particularly via the analysis and development of international emergency health systems and building the capacity for effective relief. EPs with training in HA can be valuable assets to relief programs in the field and administratively, especially after the initial disaster and during the transition to health system reconstruction and development.
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Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. · Feb 2005
ReviewFunding emergency medicine development in low- and middle-income countries.
The specialty of EM is developing rapidly throughout the world. This growth is relatively lacking in the LICs, however. The lack of resources and financing capabilities in these regions may hinder specialty development. ⋯ Identifying health priorities in these regions that intersect with EM is crucial and may form the basis for further expansion of EM. Many potential funding opportunities exist within the governmental and private sector, but all require some familiarity with application mechanisms and project cycles. Building relationships with personnel within these agencies and countries of interest is often fundamental to successful programmatic funding.
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Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. · Feb 2005
ReviewRegional highlights in global emergency medicine development.
There are a number of notable trends in the development of EM that have been highlighted at the regional level globally. From the establishment of formal EM training as the standard of care to practice in an ED to the influence of transnational regulatory bodies and financing mechanisms on specialty development and the broad-based issues of health security that affect EM, the specialty continues to grow around the world. ⋯ The regions presented here are as distinctive as the people who practice our specialty; however, in many respects the highlights and challenges are universal. This recognition is perhaps what motivates the appeal for collaboration in international EM development.
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Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. · Feb 2005
ReviewUnderstanding diversity among prehospital care delivery systems around the world.
Understanding the diversity in EMS systems around the world isa daunting challenge. It is difficult to describe or categorize these complex systems, but examination of whether a country has an informal or formal system is a starting point. Further understanding of access within the system allows additional insight into the care available. ⋯ The focus of an EMS system can help gauge its development and role in the community. Clear descriptions of each of these dimensions allows for better communication and understanding of a country's prehospital care system. This dimensional analysis enhances communication regarding the existing system and provides an opportunity to understand where improvements and interventions might be effective.
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Emerg. Med. Clin. North Am. · Feb 2005
ReviewDeveloping and implementing emergency medicine programs globally.
International EM development requires a comprehensive assessment of the current system and careful planning to ensure that the most important needs are addressed. Modeling a country's EM system after an existing foreign system underestimates the complex needs for instituting appropriate system interventions. Planning must include all stakeholders. With appropriate planning, international interventions can contribute to health system advancement.