Zambia - Establishing a Low Fidelity Simulation Curriculum in Resource Limited Areas to Improve Acute Patient Care in Lusaka Zambia
Aarani Kandeepan, MD, Pediatric Critical Care Fellow, UM Medical Center
Dr. Christina Zulu, MBChB, Registrar Paediatrician, University Teaching Hospital, Zambia
Dr. Matimba Dindi, University Teaching Hospital, Zambia
Yudy Fonseca, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, UM Medical System
Adrian Holloway, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, UM School of Medicine
Siddhartha Dante, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, UM School of Medicine
This study aims to create a low-fidelity inter-disciplinary simulation curriculum supported virtually at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka, Zambia. This aim was created in collaboration with UTH as the focus of resuscitation was a vital objective of UTH’s medical education curriculum. The primary objective of the curriculum will be to improve CPR skills focusing on the time to CPR, quality of CPR, and time to administer the first dose of epinephrine. Secondary objectives include strengthening participants' communication skills, leadership, teamwork, and confidence. We will present a case once a month using video conference software with in-person low-fidelity simulation by UTH physicians, nurses, and trainees utilizing a simulation mannequin and tracking equipment.
This project is the first step of a three-year simulation curriculum program that will be created in collaboration with UTH. Year One will focus on a toddler mannequin and simulation cases surrounding that age group. As we progress Year Two, we will expand our simulation capabilities with a neonatal mannequin and intubation kit. By Year Three our aim is to purchase a full body mannequin and IV starter kit. By gradually expanding this project and curriculum every year, we are ensuring that the basics of resuscitation are maintained while procedural skills are expanded. This stepwise approach will allow sustainability and allow our sister hospital to expand their program at their own pace and teach this program on their own at the end of the three years. Our expectation is that in both Year 2 and Year 3, our colleagues can be trained as instructors themselves to allow for the continuation of training after this project is complete. This will allow for continued sustainability of the program and further strengthening of our partnership with UTH.