OP TRENTON 3: An analysis of primary care presentations to a deployed role 1 in support of a United Nation peacekeeping operation.

OBJECTIVES

Health data of operational relevance from South Sudan are lacking, outdated and non-representative. This study sets out to record and analyse primary healthcare (PHC) presentations to a deployed UK Level 1 Primary Healthcare Centre (L1 PHC) facility in Bentiu, South Sudan, to inform on disease prevalence for UK Military Personnel in a sub-Saharan Operational environment.

METHODS

A prospective single-centre cohort study was completed for all PHC presentations to a UK L1 PHC facility while deployed on the United Nations Mission to South Sudan from June 2017 to November 2017.

RESULTS

861 episodes of clinical care were recorded at Bentiu Camp during the 6-month period. 82% were from disease; 18% non-battle injuries and no battle injuries were seen. As per EPINATO2 categorisation, the top three presentations were acute gastrointestinal disease, dermatological disease and routine clinical care. Differences were noted for June-August and September-November, as a proportion of total cases seen. It was noted that gastrointestinal illnesses were three times more likely in the first half of the operation and bites and sting almost twice as likely.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastrointestinal disease results in a significant burden on humanitarian operations where an extended Relief-in-Place is a key area of risk. The EPINATO2 reporting tool provides insufficient detail for planning purposes and an improved method of data collection is required. Targeting the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases during predeployment training should prepare L1 PHC for the most common cases encountered. Delivery of targeted Force Health Protection training for all personnel with early deployment of L1 PHC forward could improve support to commanders during the highest risk periods.