Development of infrastructure and logistics of a field hospital created to delivering care during dengue outbreak

Abstract

Dengue is considered one of the main tropical diseases in the world and Brazil is among the countries susceptible to some infectious diseases. Thus, it is necessary to provide medical care in difficult-to-access regions with limited resources in a quick and effective way. To achieve this goal, mobile health structures, with versatile characteristics, appear to be an alternative to safely assist in emergencies in locations that need such action. In the first 10 weeks of 2015, the São Paulo City Hall confirmed 4,436 dengue cases among 15,789 reported ones and the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (HIAE), in partnership with local authorities, volunteered to deliver multidisciplinary care to patients with dengue. This study describes the logistic, resource, and infrastructure efforts deployed in a short time frame for in loco care delivered to communities affected by the dengue outbreak. Despite the care and logistical planning of the mobile hospital, several unexpected and challenging situations appeared during the campaign. However, all challenges were overcome through teamwork. Teams maintained their commitment with delivering high quality care.