Development of a diagnosis and treatment formulary for short-term medical service trips

Objective To create a short-term medical service trip (MST) focused, standardized, evidence-based, cost-effective, locally appropriate formulary. Methods Documents from the World Health Organization (WHO), related entities, and primary literature were reviewed to determine best practices. Specific diagnosis and treatment formularies (DTFs) for MST use in the WHO Regions of Africa and the Americas were created. Key findings The DTF guiding principles were being WHO-region specific, addressing primary health needs, including essential medications based on disease prevalence, local availability and affordability, and optimizing patient labeling. Conclusions A thoughtfully crafted DTF for MSTs is one way to advance equitable and safe health care.