Improving Care Worldwide

David Julian Martin, CAE

Because the needs of the critically ill and injured are not limited by political and geographic boundaries, the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) has always worked to improve care on a worldwide basis. “Members outside of the United States are one of the fastest growing segments in our organization,” notes SCCM President Margaret Parker. “I’m pleased to say we now have member physicians, nurses, pharmacists, respiratory therapists and other critical care providers in more than 75 countries worldwide. We have increased our international activities and expanded the global dialogue to improve care around the world.” To that end, Dr. Parker and the Society’s CEO and Executive Vice President (EVP), David Martin, CAE, traveled to China in September to formalize activities there.

Partnership Agreement Signed in China

In Beijing , Dr. Parker and Mr. Martin met with Li Hongshan, Director General of the International Health Exchange and Cooperation Center of the Chinese Ministry of Health and with Professor Chen Dechang, President of the Chinese Society of Critical Care Medicine (CSCCM). The three organizations formalized a partnership agreement and began planning their first joint activity: a three-day course hosted in Beijing , September 15-18, 2005 , based on SCCM’s popular refresher course.

In mainland China , critical care medicine got its start through Dr. Chen’s tenacious pursuit of excellence. “Dr. Chen’s account of the history of critical care in his country is fascinating, and his activities were the basis for the country’s critical care delivery system today,” Dr. Parker noted. “We are so pleased and honored to have developed a partnership with our colleagues in China , and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship. Their unique perspective will enlarge our knowledge base and thereby improve the standard of care for all. In the area of SARS alone, they have so much experience and information that will be valuable to all of us in these uncertain times.”

After the meeting at the Chinese Ministry of Health, Dr. Parker and Mr. Martin participated in the 6 th Annual Conference of CSCCM in Kunming , Yunnan , China . Dr. Parker addressed a capacity audience on two important clinical topics, and the Society distributed information on its many programs. Dialogue is under way regarding future activities that will increase the exchange of important clinical information.

FCCS and FDM—At the Forefront of SCCM’s Worldwide Efforts

Expanding the Society’s popular Fundamental Critical Care Support (FCCS) course and its new component, Fundamentals of Disaster Management (FDM), is key to improving care around the globe. Trained critical care providers are in short supply in many areas around the world, including the United States . The FCCS and FDM programs are designed to equip the non-critical care expert to manage the first 24 hours of critical care and to handle disaster victims. “These courses are at the core of our outreach efforts,” Dr. Parker noted. “We provide the materials and show our critical care colleagues how to teach non-ICU professionals these important lifesaving skills.”

The FCCS course is currently published in five languages, with the addition of Chinese planned for 2005. A tiered pricing structure allows impoverished and developing countries to run the courses at significantly reduced cost. The FCCS and FDM programs currently train more than 6,000 healthcare professionals annually, with programs active in some 30 countries. “This program, which was envisioned and developed by SCCM Past President R. Phillip Dellinger, MD, FCCM, has been the first face of SCCM to the far reaches of the world, and has likely had a more direct impact on improving the quality of care worldwide than any other program of the Society,” Dr. Parker said. “We were proud to introduce the first course in East Africa in mid-2004, and we look forward to the program’s continued expansion.”

New Worldwide Distribution System Announced

In addition to its activities in China , SCCM recently added worldwide product distribution points to improve delivery and customer service for its non-North American membership. Beginning in 2005, SCCM will ship its full product line, including the widely used FCCS and FDM program materials, from warehouses in Central and South America , Europe and China . This distribution method will reduce shipping costs and improve delivery times. The Society has also opened new distribution channels in these markets to promote its scientific and clinical publications to a wider audience. “We are pleased to answer our members’ need for better and cheaper access to our expanding product lines,” Martin said.

Multilingual Publications and Support

To address the needs of an international membership, SCCM publishes many of its materials in multiple languages. The latest items in its multilingual collection are the ICU Issues and Answers brochures developed by the SCCM Patient and Family Education Committee. This series is now available in Spanish.

SCCM publishes the abstracts for its internationally known journal, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, in five languages. Selected issues of Critical Care Medicine are also translated into various languages. “Working with our publisher’s international arm, SCCM is expanding the reach of our flagship journal, which is recognized worldwide as the number one journal dedicated exclusively to multiprofessional critical care,” said Martin.

The Society uses its multilingual staff and volunteer resources to provide everything from daily member support to assistance in the field. In addition to phone support in numerous languages at its Chicago-area headquarters, SCCM works with members in their native language when it travels to their countries.

The Society has staffed its customer service exhibits in Berlin , Kunming and in Buenos Aries upcoming with at least one person fluent in the native language. “Although most SCCM members speak English, many are more comfortable in their native language, and it shows respect when we can communicate with them in their language,” Martin said.

“The ongoing dialogue among the worldwide critical care community will improve patient care everywhere,” said Parker. “With our new online Critical Care Forums, offered in multiple languages, the dialog is certain to expand.” To join in dialogue with your colleagues worldwide, visit http://forums.sccm.org