Hepburn Internship: Dangme West District HospitalDodowa, GhanaRoselyn A. Appenteng ‘13

Goals/ Objectives•Participate in contextual Patient Education Programs through Home Visits

•Immunization and Child Growth Monitoring Program

•Observe/Identify effective health literacy models to mitigate language and cultural barriers.

•Observe and work with doctors and nurses to gain clinical experience.

Activities/ Responsibilities

Observed, assisted and educated patients in the following areas:

•Out Patient Department: Screening Bay, Emergency Area•Maternity/Labor Ward•Theatre•Antenatal Clinic•Reproductive Child Health and Postnatal clinic•Family Planning Clinic

Outcomes

•Gained practical experience in handling patients and a clear understanding of the need to foster good doctor-patient relationship

•Learnt about different sociocultural and economic factors that drive or hinder access to quality healthcare. Eg. Communal attitudes to family planning

•Tackled issues of health literacy, navigating language barriers as much as cultural

•Gained a greater appreciation for public health policy and its effectiveness particularly at the grassroots

• Gained a particular interest in neonatology because of the conditions mitigating premature delivery and the likelihood of survival

Appreciation

•Thanks to Dr. Evelyn Ansah- District Director of Health Services, Dangme West•Dr. Kennedy Brightson- Medical Superintendant•Thanks to all the nurses, midwives and staff at the Dangme West District Hospital (DWDH)•I especially appreciate the Katharine Houghton Hepburn Centre for funding to pursue this internship