Research Team:

Dr. Giovanna DeLuca, Brown University 

Dr. Zaw Soe Htike, Mae Tao Clinic

Dr. Derek Lubetkin, MaineHealth

Summary of Proposed Research:

It has been shown that improving trauma and emergency care in conflict zones in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) significantly reduces morbidity and mortality. The goal of this study is to enhance the development of a sustainable emergency health care system in Karenni State, Myanmar. To do this, we must first identify and prioritize emergency care gaps in the Karenni state, which will enhance establishing a contextually acceptable emergency care system. The central hypothesis motivating this research is that due to its remote location, sustained armed conflicts, and citizens with complex healthcare problems, the provision of emergency care in the Karenni state has various challenges, including shortages in personnel, training, and resources that could be improved. The main objectives of the study are to conduct an initial emergency care capacity/needs assessment in a pilot area of the Karenni State and identify gaps in the emergency care and essential components for emergency care system development in the region. To accomplish this, we plan to conduct interviews and survey multiple types of healthcare facilities within the region. This includes health posts, village tract health care clinics, referral clinics, and frontline hospitals. We will assess their resources, personal, and overall capacity using previously validated tools.

Aim 1: To understand the current capacity for emergency care, including treating conflict/trauma injuries, along the Myanmar-Thailand border.

Aim 2: To identify gaps in emergency care and the essential components for emergency care system development along the Myanmar-Thailand border.