Mobile Health Clinics Association

Formerly organized as Mobile Health Clinics Network

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“Mobile medical health programs offer the possibility of reaching populations who otherwise may not access traditional health care services. Poverty and lack of mobility are examples of life circumstances that can create insurmountable barriers to obtaining these services. While it is important that the providers of care are qualified in their fields, sound medical practices are not enough to ensure a program's success. The manner in which a program is conducted is essential to forming a successful relationship with an outreach population. A sophisticated understanding of the target community and its needs can inform the process of health care delivery. Using this understanding, the designers of an outreach program can formulate every element of the program to reflect the needs of the community. Examples of this are creating education materials that reflect the language and vernacular of the target population and providing services at a time that fits into the lives of the patients. In addition, the providers themselves can be sensitive in behavior and language to the clientele. In so doing, the program vastly increases the probability of favorable health outcomes for the population”.

Anthony Vavasis, MD, Medical Director, Health Outreach to Teens Program, NY
Public (Mobile) Healthcare Response to Underserved Populations (Homeless)

“The mission of the Alameda County Public Health Department is to work in partnership with the community to ensure optimal health and well being for all residents. There is a strong commitment to a community health team approach, to ensure access and remove barriers to health care for all County residents, and thus promote healthy communities. However, inherent in this mission are numerous challenges. Unlike health care systems in other Western democracies—many of which guarantee comprehensive health care to all residents—American health care lacks clear lines of authority and responsibility. It is less a “system” than an assortment of haphazard arrangements, with thousands of players vying for a good spot in the game. This contributes to a costly health care arena, which makes administration, communication and coordination more difficult and more expensive. Policy and service delivery solutions, therefore, have to be especially creative and inclusive to meet the goal of healthy communities. Unfortunately, health care in the United States is so complex that quick fixes and simple-approach solutions have been—and continue to be—inadequate.

 

To remove barriers and increase access to health care services in a chaotic environment, many communities have turned to using mobile medical units—taking health care services to underserved populations rather than having clients come to them—viewing this as a viable option for increasing access, improving health outcomes, decreasing fragmentation and, in many instances, cutting costs”. G. G. Greenhouse, MSW, Executive Director, Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless, CA

Decentralization of AIDS Testing and Treatment Through
the Rapid Deployment of Mobile Pathology Laboratories

 

“Due to the lack of infrastructure and access to basic health services on the African continent, the need has arisen for the development and rapid deployment of (mobile) stand alone general purpose surgical units able to serve the basic health care needs of the community. The lack of infrastructure also presents a hurdle for the health service suppliers in that access to sites where healthcare is most urgently needed is severely limited. The combination of these needs and obstacles has led to the development of the Rapid Deployment (Mobile) Field Hospital by a group of South African companies dedicated to improving the quality and access of healthcare across Africa. The Hospital is a containerized, stand-alone unit specifically designed for use in remote locations and harsh conditions. During transport, the hospital structure is limited to the physical dimensions of a 6m ISO container. Through innovative design, expandable sides have been developed that increases the usable floor space from an estimated 14m to almost 25m. Because of this unique, electronically operated drawer system, structural integrity and security is maintained. Successful deployment of the medical facility is greatly dependant on the ability to acquire expert medical advice irrespective of the hospital's location. In conjunction with the MRC's Telemedicine Lead Program, systems are being put in place that will allow healthcare workers to refer patient queries via various communication mediums to designated centers of excellence for diagnosis and advice”. Moretlo Molefi, MD, Director, Telemedicine Program, Medical Research Council of South Africa

 

For additional Forum abstracts and program details, email or call 415.863.2032