Turning medical records into research data
Using medical records, aeromedical evacuations and clinical cases encountered in the field, the hospital has developed research with practical applications. Data collected through daily operations have been incorporated into studies aimed at improving medical support in the mission area and demonstrating the capabilities of Viet Nam’s military medical personnel.
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L2FH Rotation 7 conducts an aeromedical evacuation mission in the operational area. |
Recently, four studies by L2FH Rotation 7 were selected for poster presentations at the 11th International Conference on the Development of Biomedical Engineering in Viet Nam (BME11) in Cam Ranh, Nha Trang. Notably, a study on the clinical and paraclinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of malaria at Vietnamese L2FHs in Bentiu from 2021 to 2025 received the Best Poster Presentation certificate.
The achievement reflects years of data collection by successive rotations of Vietnamese military medical personnel in Bentiu. Medical records have been preserved, supplemented, and standardized over the years, creating a comprehensive dataset on malaria treatment in an area at high risk of disease outbreaks. Even after patients are discharged, their records are reviewed and compared with similar cases to assess treatment effectiveness, draw clinical lessons, and expand the research database.
All four studies presented at BME11 stemmed from operational experience in South Sudan, covering insect control, patient care, malaria treatment and digital transformation in hospital management.
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Through operational experience, research data are supplemented, updated and carried forward by successive rotations of Viet Nam’s L2FH. |
The malaria study drew particular attention for its five-year dataset. Researchers retrospectively reviewed 155 malaria patients who were U.N. personnel treated at Vietnamese L2FHs in Bentiu between 2021 and 2025. The patients came from different countries and worked in the same epidemiological environment, but differed in physical condition, medical history and response to treatment, adding reference value to the study in the multinational U.N. peacekeeping environment.
According to Lt. Col., doctor Phan The Nhat, a representative of the research team, the study’s greatest value was not the award but the creation of a reliable five-year malaria dataset. The findings can help military medical personnel improve disease prevention, medicine and medical supply planning, and post-treatment patient management, while providing practical evidence for units serving with the U.N. Mission in South Sudan.
Research under field conditions
Building a dataset spanning five years required researchers to overcome challenges including language barriers, U.N. professional requirements, limitations on advanced laboratory testing, and the need to maintain consistent data across multiple rotations.
According to Lt. Col., doctor Tran Duc Tai, Director of L2FH Rotation 7, scientific research is meaningful only when it originates from mission requirements and ultimately serves those missions.
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Lt. Col., doctor Tran Duc Tai, Director of L2FH Rotation 7, chairs a specialized scientific workshop in the mission area. |
Research allows the hospital to review its operations and monitor changes in disease patterns, helping it better prepare personnel, medicines and medical supplies while improving operational readiness.
Since August 2025, L2FH Rotation 7’s personnel have published 15 scientific papers, including seven on Vietnamese journals and eight on international journals, while continuing to provide medical examinations, emergency care and treatment in South Sudan.
The research covers tropical infectious diseases, military personnel health, aeromedical evacuation, surgery, field hospital and medical equipment management, and digital transformation. All of the studies address practical issues encountered in the mission area and seek to improve the quality of military medical support.
During its deployment, the hospital has also submitted three projects to the 26th Military Creative Youth Awards. One has won third prize and another received a consolation prize.
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Lt. Col., doctor Phan The Nhat presents the malaria research conducted in the mission area. |
The research findings provide additional evidence for refining professional procedures, improving medical treatment and helping subsequent Vietnamese field hospital rotations better prepare for similar situations.
Translated by Tran Hoai