Lumela everyone, i'm backkk! Today was day 2 at the clinic and we got to have a lot more hands on interactions. It was their weekly prenatal education session, where they provided an educational talk regarding prenatal health and hygiene. We partook in biometric screening of pregnant mothers, which included taking blood pressures and arm circumference measurements. The fact that they hold these sessions weekly is truly amazing, and it was evident through the turnout of people and their focus, that the session was necessary. Furthermore, it was interesting to see how their charting system worked . They record everything on paper and make sure to have multiple records. It's a lot more difficult and time consuming that the luxurious electronic charting systems we have back in the states. The health care system here is a lot different, and the more experiences we have at these clinics, the more I learn about how fortunate we truly are. I truly do love it here, as each experience passes, the beauty and warmness of this country is revealed more deeply, leaving lasting impressions on both my heart and mind.
See y'all soon 馃檪 - Natalie
Hey y'all! We were greatly honored to be welcomed into the outpatient facility in Ramabanta. I came to realize how personal and intimate each pregnancy journey is within each visit. We were allowed in the exam rooms to shadow the nurses during the ultrasound and patient education process. Being welcomed into each mother's personal experience with pregnancy and being able observe the nursing profession in a different setting will forever impact the way in which we act as future caregivers. It was beautiful to see the level of vulnerability and strength the women have here. It is truly unmatched, most women having to walk on foot 5 or more hours back home directly after birth.
Jayla Thompson
Lumela and hello everyone! My name is Eva, and I am an alumna from the class of 2013. This is actually my first trip to Lesotho. And what a privilege and honor it has been. Now that I have acquired some years under my belt as a Nurse, I am humbled and amazed by the Lesotho healthcare system.
The morning was mostly spent at the clinic in Ramabanta. It was quite a busy time! It is highly plausible that the recent snowstorm brought an influx of patients. Although I did not have any hands-on experience at the clinic, just the environment and people were enough for me to truly create a new appreciation and perspective-especially for nurses. Nurses are the backbone and overall sole provider. Alongside a nursing student, I watched the nurse assess, diagnose, provide compassionate and therapeutic communication, and write scripts for medications. Even though there was a doctor that can be reached, nurses made it all happen.
Resources are not in large quantities. The clinic has a shortage of medications, especially related to the flu. Thankfully, we were able to donate some of these to the clinic. Imagine how catastrophic that would be for the United States to not be able to treat the cold or flu due to a lack of medications. There were no tourniquets utilized to draw blood or start an IV. Simply, a mere latex-free glove was tied around the patient's arm. IV fluids were in short supply. The size of the clinic itself also prevented more room for overall storage of supplies, medications, medical books, equipment, and hygienic equipment for cleaning linens.
Accessibility to direct patient care is limited. It is typical for patients to walk on foot for a minimum of 3.5 to 6 hours at a time. If they were lucky, they could possibly arrive sooner by donkey or horse.
Patient education and records certainly have a different look. In the consultation, exam rooms as well as throughout the clinic, many handouts and instructions were handwritten. The patient history and visit information were all contained in what they call their "health book." Although medical information such as biometrics are saved in the computer, the dominant source is derived from one and sometimes multiple health books.
What an experience this trip has been thus far. Not only will I take back what I have learned, I also hope that our communities back at home can find ways to contribute and lessen some of the impact from USAID being cut.
-Eva Cahill