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International Journal of Emergency Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2008 | Innovations in EM Practice

Introduction of a portable ultrasound unit into the health services of the Lugufu refugee camp, Kigoma District, Tanzania

Authors: David Adler, Katanga Mgalula, Daniel Price, Opal Taylor

Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine | Issue 4/2008

Abstract

Background

Diagnostic imaging services are scarce in much of the developing world. Ultrasound is a low-cost, safe, and widely applicable imaging modality.

Aims

We delivered a portable ultrasound machine to the Lugufu refugee camp in Tanzania and conducted a course on its use in order to assess the feasibility of introducing this technology into a very low-resource setting.

Methods

We conducted an intensive 4-day ultrasound training course for health care providers at Lugufu and established an exam logbook to track the frequency of use, distribution of ultrasound applications, and gender and age distribution of patients.

Results

Between 4 October 2005 and 1 November 2007 547 separate ultrasound exams on 460 patients were recorded at Lugufu. Overall, 86% of patients studied were female. Pregnancy-related exams accounted for 24.1% of total usage. The 20- to 29-year-old age group accounted for over one third of total exams performed.

Conclusion

Ultrasound is a feasible and sustainable imaging modality in a very low-resource setting such as the Lugufu refugee camp in Tanzania.

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Title: Introduction of a portable ultrasound unit into the health services of the Lugufu refugee camp, Kigoma District, Tanzania
Authors: David Adler
Katanga Mgalula
Daniel Price
Opal Taylor
Publication date: 01-12-2008
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Journal of Emergency Medicine / Issue 4/2008
Print ISSN: 1865-1372
Electronic ISSN: 1865-1380
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12245-008-0074-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Introduction of a portable ultrasound unit into the health services of the Lugufu refugee camp, Kigoma District, Tanzania

Abstract

Background

Aims

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Aims

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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