Name
#68 Prevalence Of Traditional, Complementary, Or Non-Conventional Medicine Use By Surgical Patients Seen Aboard The Hospital Ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) During Operation Continuing Promise 2022 (CP-22)
Speakers
Content Presented on Behalf of
Navy
Services/Agencies represented
US Navy, Other/Not Listed
Session Type
Posters
Room#/Location
Prince Georges Exhibit Hall A/B
Focus Areas/Topics
Clinical Care
Learning Outcomes
Following this session, the attendee will be able to:
1. Describe the risks associated with ingested substances and the potential for interactions that enhance or deplete the efficacy of medications administered during surgical procedures.
2. Identify at least one traditional, complementary, or non-conventional medication that might be used by partner nations’ military and/or civilian populations in the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility.
3. Discuss the need to consider including traditional, complementary, or non-conventional medication during a medication reconciliation with patients.
4. Recognize the importance of cultural competence in understanding and integrating traditional, complementary, and non-conventional medicine into conventional medical practice during global health engagements.
1. Describe the risks associated with ingested substances and the potential for interactions that enhance or deplete the efficacy of medications administered during surgical procedures.
2. Identify at least one traditional, complementary, or non-conventional medication that might be used by partner nations’ military and/or civilian populations in the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility.
3. Discuss the need to consider including traditional, complementary, or non-conventional medication during a medication reconciliation with patients.
4. Recognize the importance of cultural competence in understanding and integrating traditional, complementary, and non-conventional medicine into conventional medical practice during global health engagements.
Session Currently Live
Description
This presentation explores the prevalence and implications of traditional, complementary, and non-conventional medicine use among surgical patients seen aboard the USNS COMFORT during Operation Continuing Promise 2022 (CP-22). The study was conducted in the context of the U.S. Southern Command's Global Health Engagement (GHE) mission, with stops in Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. With up to 80% of the world's population using traditional medicine, this research aimed to identify the extent of such practices in the region, given the potential risks of interactions with conventional surgical medications. Data was collected during anesthesia pre-surgical evaluations, revealing that a significant portion of patients reported using prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal/dietary supplements. Although the findings showed a lower prevalence of traditional medicine use than WHO estimates, they underscore the need for a larger sample size in future studies, as well as the importance of cultural competence in global health initiatives. The study's outcomes highlight the necessity for healthcare providers to consider traditional practices during medication reconciliation to ensure safe and effective patient care. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the cultural context in which these missions operate and offers recommendations for integrating traditional medicine considerations into future GHE missions, ultimately strengthening partnerships with host nations.