Best Practices for the Planning, Implementation, and Assessment of Short-Term Medical Missions: A Haitian Case Stud

Short-term medical mission (STMM) trips are increasingly common. A review of the literature shows that most STMM teams are not well prepared prior to their missions and this can cause harm. The efforts of many STMM teams lack integration into existing healthcare systems within the nations they intend to serve and there is a dearth of literature pertaining to STMM leadership strategies.;The purpose of this case study was to analyze STMMs in order to inform STMM leaders and organizations that sponsor STMM trips, while giving a voice to healthcare leaders and providers in Haiti.;The results of this study provided evidence that STMM team members have good intentions and experience positive benefits from their participation, but team leaders often fail to solicit input and feedback from host nation healthcare providers or get approval from the Ministry of Health. Many leaders and organizations also neglect an adequate pre-trip orientation process and post-trip debriefing for STMM team members.