A Time of Change: Short-Term Medical Missions During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Short-term medical missions (STMMs) involve the temporary provision of medical services by foreign healthcare providers or students to a recipient community. This thesis seeks to explore the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on these projects. Methods: A scoping review was conducted identifying articles published from 2015-2022 relevant to medical missions and COVID-19. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants to describe experiences and explore perspectives from STMM stakeholders. Results: The scoping review resulted in 37 included articles. These findings were supported by semi-structured interviews with six stakeholders. Both the review and interview results described cancellation of in-person activities by STMM organizations during the shutdown and subsequent consequences experienced by the organizations and partners. Alternative initiatives were implemented supporting pandemic response and incorporating virtual platforms for patient care. Remote educational programs for patients and healthcare providers were also developed and employed. Safety protocols were developed and implemented when lockdown measures were lifted. Changes in mission models and a shift towards sustainability and long-term initiatives were also discussed. Conclusions: STMMs have received significant criticism in recent years. Travel restrictions forced an inevitable pause on these projects, creating an opportune time to explore these changes and identify implications for the future. The impact of COVID-19 resulted in countless adaptations within STMM organizations. Further research is needed to identify which changes have been sustained.