Parasitology results from a MEDCAP in Africa.

The Medical Civil Action Program (MEDCAP) is an important tool that is utilized to support the larger missions in all areas of current operations. In Ethiopia, MEDCAPs are one of many tools commanders use to earn the trust and confidence of the local population. There are many ways to implement a MEDCAP and this paper will highlight one such successful engagement. This mission was intended in increase the medical capacity of host nation (HN) medical personnel and increase HN confidence in their government to provide for essential services. The mission was broken into four phases similar to traditional MEDCAPs, but with a significant difference.

Self-assessment of trauma competencies among army family nurse practitioners.

The objective of this descriptive study was to determine whether Army family nurse practitioners perceive themselves as competent in providing trauma care. Using an adaptation of trauma competency outcomes from various trauma courses, all Army family nurse practitioners were asked to evaluate self-perceived level of trauma competence and self-perceived importance of trauma skills. Results (n = 96) indicate a general agreement that all skills identified in the questionnaire were important in the management of a trauma patient. The respondents considered themselves trained/somewhat competent or higher in 50% of the skills identified. Mann-Whitney U analysis was used to compare various groups within the sample. Significant differences on self-perceived competency were noted with intensive care/emergency room, Advanced Trauma Life Support, and deployment experience. Trauma Nursing Core Course experience was not significant to self-perceived trauma competency. Findings support the need for additional trauma training, such as Advanced Trauma Life Support and hands-on trauma experience.