Short- and long-term results of low cost trauma training in a low-income resource-poor country [Version 2]

Abstract

Introduction: Malawi is among the world's least developed countries. There are 2.1 physicians per 100 000 people and a high trauma-related mortality and morbidity. The lack of healthcare resources requires essential high capacity trauma training at a low cost. Methods: A one-week trauma course was conducted at the Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. 15 students (13 interns and 2 chief nurses) attended the course. They were trained in initial trauma care, triage and basic practical procedures. Thereafter, evaluated through an identical multiple-choice exam, pre- (PRE) and post-course (POE), following a similar exam 6 months post-course (6MPOE). Prior to, and after the course a confidence-based questionnaire was completed. Results: The participants presented significantly higher test-scores after the course in both POE (26.2±3.2 vs. 21.8±3.1; p>0.001) and 6MPOE (25.7±2.4 vs. 21.8±3.1; p 0.003). We also identified the nurses to improve significantly after the course. The highest score of improvement was 27.3%. Higher confidence scores were noticed after the course. Conclusion: This study shows that any healthcare personnel in a low-income setting could benefit from a designed course in trauma management. Thus, we emphasize that healthcare staff undertake similar course to orient towards correct management and assessment of initial trauma patients.

Keywords

• Trauma in Africa
• Trauma training
• Sub-Saharan Africa
• Trauma team training