1. Medical relief personnel in complex emergencies: perceptions of effectiveness in the former Yugoslavia.
- Author
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VanRooyen MJ, Eliades MJ, Grabowski JG, Stress ME, Juric J, and Burkle FM Jr
- Subjects
- Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cross-Sectional Studies, Data Collection, Delivery of Health Care, Emergencies, Emergency Treatment methods, Female, Health Resources, Humans, Male, Emergency Medical Services organization & administration, Health Personnel statistics & numerical data, Health Services Needs and Demand, Rescue Work organization & administration, Warfare
- Abstract
Humanitarian medical assistance and intervention during the civil war in Bosnia and Croatia was felt by national health workers to be relatively ineffective (2.8 on a 5-point Likert scale), compared to other forms of humanitarian assistance such as medical supplies (4.4/5) and non-medical materials (3.9/5). Bosnian physicians treating civilians noted that the most helpful types of personnel were surgeons and emergency physicians. This study suggests that assessment of personnel needs at the recipient level, in addition to standard relief assessments, is required early in models of complex emergencies. This study supports existing epidemiological models of complex emergencies, especially when high trauma-related mortality and morbidity are likely to occur.
- Published
- 2001
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