Operational and Implementation Evaluation of a Short-Term Medical Service Program in Rural Guatemala

Authors

• Mitchell M. Michalak, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
• Shamecka Douglas, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
• Oscar Gonzalez, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
• Giovanna Sanguinetti, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
• Ashley Sweat, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Purpose: Short-term medical service trips (SMSTs) are widely used to deliver healthcare and population health interventions in resource-limited settings, yet few evaluations examine their operational performance using routinely collected field data. This study presents an operational and implementation-focused evaluation of a student-led SMST serving Indigenous communities in rural Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. Methods: An operational and implementation evaluation was conducted using three data sources: patient encounter forms, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) survey data, and volunteer experiential survey responses. Data were analyzed descriptively to assess service delivery patterns, data quality, workflow constraints, and volunteer-reported implementation challenges. Results: Over four clinic days across four field sites, 478 patients received care, 12 households received water filters and improved cookstoves, and six group health education sessions were delivered. Identified implementation challenges included incomplete clinical documentation, limited tracking of medications and referrals, translation-related workflow constraints, and gaps in volunteer preparation. Despite these challenges, volunteer satisfaction was high and operational feedback informed targeted recommendations for program improvement. Conclusion: This evaluation demonstrates how routine program data can be leveraged to generate actionable operational insights for SMST activities. Findings highlight feasible opportunities to strengthen clinic workflow, data collection, and volunteer preparation, with lessons that are transferable to similar global health initiatives operating in resource-constrained settings.

Abstract

Author Bio(s)

Mitchell M. Michalak, DHSc, MPH, CIC, is the lead epidemiologist for the Applied Research and Evaluation Team at the Florida Department of Health. Dr. Michalak has earned a B.S in Biology from Florida State University, an MPH from Rollins College, and a Doctorate in Health Sciences from Nova Southeastern University.

Shamecka Douglas, DHSc, MPH, is a dedicated public health professional with multi-sectoral experience, where she has successfully led program evaluations, improved operational systems, and enhanced student engagement initiatives. She is passionate about using data-driven strategies to support equitable access to health and educational services.

Oscar Gonzalez, DHSc, MBA, is a retired Fire Lieutenant and current EMS Quality Assurance (Q/A) Officer with over 25 years of experience. He holds a Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. Oscar continues to lead EMS education, protocol development, and quality improvement efforts across Florida.

Giovanna Sanguinetti Colón, MA, DHSc(c) is a dedicated community health leader with over 14 years of experience. She leads and develops equity-centered prevention and intervention programs. Giovanna chairs Pueblos of California, holds advanced degrees in Health Science and Medical Anthropology, and will complete her doctorate in summer 2025.

Ashley Sweat, MMS, PA-C, is a physician assistant who practices in the field of surgical oncology it the metro Atlanta area. Ms. Sweat earned a BS in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida in addition to a MMS from Nova Southeastern University in Physician Assistant Studies.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr. Moya Alfonso for exceptional mentorship and methodology direction, the Organization and the Local Community-Based Organization in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, for permission and collaboration, and both Alyshia McAllister and Amanda Bloomer for early study design contribution.

Recommended Citation

Michalak MM, Douglas S, Gonzalez O, Sanguinetti G, Sweat A. Operational and Implementation Evaluation of a Short-Term Medical Service Program in Rural Guatemala. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Jun 01;24(2), Article 8.