The screening process has begun! We arrived at the hospital around 8am on Dec. 2 where we were greeted by over 250 families from just one of the districts in Assam. They were all patiently waiting in the holding tent at the hospital for their opportunity to be seen by the team. I was stunned to see the enormous amounts of people but also surprised to see how patient they all were. The children were so well behaved. Later in the day we would all comment on this. Children in the states would have been fussy, screaming, wiggly and inpatient. Although some of the younger children were a bit fussy at times, they were are quiet, well mannered group who sat in their seats patiently waiting for their number to be called. Ages of patients varied from 1 month to 83 years in age. All were dressed in their Sunday best.
The screening process was eye opening and very well organized. Everyone worked together as a team. Here’s a little glimpse into the screening process:
1. Patients and families wait in the holding tent and are given a number. Groups of 20 are called at a time and walk to the screening area one block away from the holding area. They would again wait for their number to be called.
2. 32 teenage Assamese girls assisted us in the translating process at registration. One by one, numbers are called and families are greeted by the registration team. Operation Smile is gathering extensive information on the families for research. Questions such as mode of transport, distance travelled, water source, cooking method, eating method (fork, fingers, etc), proximity of water source from toilet area, other family with clefts, etc, were asked of each patient. The hope is that this research will assist in better understanding the causes of cleft lips and palates.
3. Next, Patients had a photo taken and attached to their medical record file. Then it was inside to the clinical stations. Translators again assisted the nursing team in completing a medical history. Weight and vitals were then taken.
5. After the surgeons came the PIT, where each patient is photographed at different yet specified angles to be included in their charts.
6. Patients then visit the anesthesiologists and pediatricians to determine whether or not they are healthy enough for surgery. Unfortunately many of the children are malnourished and suffer from anemia. These patients are referred to the hospital for iron supplements. Families with children that are under 6 months in age are also referred to the Op Smile India contact and asked to contact them in the next 6 months.
7. All patients are then sent to the speech therapist for evaluation and then to the dentist.
8. The lab is one of the last stops, where blood analyses are done.
9. The final stop is with another group of nurses whom check the records for completion and provide instructions to the family to return on Sunday if they are potential candidates for surgery. They will then discover whether or not they will be receiving surgery. Unlike prior missions, each family will be individually told whether or not they will be scheduled. In the past, a list has been posted with names of those who will receive surgery. This new method allows the team to explain why they will not be receiving care. Many think they didn’t get their early enough; the baby cried during screening; they weren’t dressed well enough, etc.
Overall we screened 251 patients in one day – a record for India! We expect the same turnout today as we welcome a more rural district in the state of Assam. Although the day was exhausting, it was also extremely rewarding.
The teamwork was truly impressive. If you didn’t know better, you’d think this team had been working together for years. It wasn’t the chaos I was expecting. Everything worked like a well oiled machine! I feel so honored and privileged to be a part of this team. The care and hope these families are receiving is absolutely heartwarming!
I’ve been bitten by the bug and am addicted. This is an amazing opportunity and I can’t wait to do more for Op Smile.
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