title: Evaluation of the progress and challenges facing the Ponseti method program in Vietnam.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In 2003, an ICRC-SFD Ponseti program was introduced in southern Vietnam. Additional programs were introduced by the Prosthetics Outreach Foundation and independently by physicians trained at our center. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact, progress and challenges facing Ponseti practitioners and patients' family members in Vietnam. In addition, web-conferencing (Ponseti Virtual Forum) for continued medical education in the method was also assessed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Multiple questionnaires were developed to conduct face-to-face practitioner interviews, focus group interviews, and parental interviews. Observation was done at multiple site clinics to determine or confirm additional challenges faced by practitioners. Web conferencing was introduced to sites in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang City.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The number of clubfoot patients treated with the Ponseti method has increased over time with approximately 1,252 infants treated between 2003 and 2010. Specific challenges were identified relating to communication, networking, distance and transportation, and finances for both practitioners and parents. The PVF was not only found to facilitate rapid, relevant dissemination of medical knowledge--thus increasing physician and patient satisfaction--but it may also be found to act as an interface in which medical culture, insight, and compassion are shared benefiting all virtual forum participants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The identified progress and challenges mirrored that of similar studies done in other countries with several factors affecting progress. Focusing on improving communication channels and networking while working with the ministry of health may improve the facilitation of the Ponseti method in Vietnam. Further implementation and evaluation of the PVF may act as a guide for current and future programs in Vietnam or other countries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, USA.
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Huynh Manh
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Nhi
authors.forename: Do Van
authors.initials: do V
authors.lastname: Thanh
authors.forename: Florin
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Oprescu
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.forename: Jose A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Morcuende
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001915:Braces; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003025:Clubfoot / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003469:Culture; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D014744:Vietnam / Q000453:epidemiology