Globalization and technology have made the world we live in a much smaller place. It’s not that difficult to visualize a different country for every meal of the day, what with the rapid advances being made in the fields of technology and communication. The shortage of a resource in one nation thus allows us to import or borrow it from another, and when the need is medical in nature, more care should be taken in selecting the best possible alternative because lives are at stake. When surgical teams prepare to go overseas, here’s how they need to prepare:· Be skilled at their job: Although this would seem a no-brainer and should go without saying, it has to be said. You may be skilled, but the important thing is to be skilled enough to find acceptance according to the standards of the host country. The best way to do this is to familiarize the team with the way things are done overseas so that they’re up to scratch and not found wanting when they arrive.
· Be aware of the medical standards in the host country: This is especially important if they’re going to a more developed country that has more stringent standards. The team may be brought in for its expertise or to cover for local lack of talent, but it’s still necessary to be aware of how things are done in the host country.
· Be aware of hospital policies: Every country has its own way of setting rules and enforcing them. There are various policies in a medical facility, some of which are written and others that are not. It’s important to be aware of them, to know pecking orders and socialization dos and don’ts. It helps avoid awkward and potentially embarrassing situations.
· Be aware of ethical considerations: There are issues that could have legal consequences if you’re not careful. What may be legit and lawful in your homeland may be punishable under the laws of your host country, which is why you need to be aware of what’s accepted and what’s not before you begin your work overseas.
· Learn the local language: Yes, there may be a common tongue like English, but it’s best to learn at least a few words and phrases that are commonly used in the vernacular (of the country they’re visiting) so that precious time is not wasted during emergency procedures and surgeries.
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This article is written by Kat Sanders, who regularly blogs on the topic of online surgical technologist schools at her blog iScrub. She welcomes your comments and questions at her email address: katsanders25@gmail.com