This project continues the project (Developing and implementing an ICU RT program) that involves training the ICU staff at Adama Hospital Medical Center (AHMC) in Ethiopia on managing mechanical ventilators. During this trip, I will be accompanied by two volunteer respiratory therapists from the University of Minnesota/Mayo Clinic and Children’s Minnesota Hospital. We will work closely with the ICU nurses who, along with residents and ICU physicians, are responsible for managing mechanical ventilators in intubated patients.
The training program will combine hands-on training in the ICU and a lecture series, which will include ICU physicians and residents. During my recent trip to initiate this project, I collected preliminary data that shows a strong need for mechanical ventilator education among AHMC ICU staff. This data will be used to tailor the training program to the specific needs of the staff and to ensure that the training is effective in addressing their needs.
The three-week training program is aimed at improving the knowledge and skills of the ICU nurses in managing mechanical ventilators, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes. The program will also serve as a needs assessment to identify areas where further training or capacity building may be necessary.
The population served by this project are the patients who require mechanical ventilation in the ICU at AHMC in Ethiopia. The project aims to improve the knowledge and skills of the ICU staff, including the nurses and physicians, who are responsible for managing mechanical ventilators in intubated patients. By providing hands-on training and lecture series, the project seeks to improve the quality of care for patients who require mechanical ventilation, which will ultimately improve patient outcomes.
In addition, the project has the potential to benefit the broader population of Ethiopia by building capacity in respiratory care through the development of a respiratory therapy program. This program will help to address the shortage of respiratory therapists in Ethiopia and improve the quality of care for patients with respiratory diseases.
The expected impacts of my project are multi-faceted and include both short-term and long-term outcomes.
Short-term impacts:
- Improvement in knowledge and skill so the ICU staff, particularly the nurses who are responsible for managing mechanical ventilators in intubated patients.
- Improved quality of care for patients who require mechanical ventilation, which will result in better patient outcomes, such as reduced mortality and morbidity rates.
- Increased confidence and job satisfaction among the ICU staff, which will improve their motivation and retention.
Long-term impacts:
- Development of a respiratory therapy program in Ethiopia, which will help to address the shortage of respiratory therapists and improve the quality of care for patients with respiratory disease.
- Capacity building in respiratory care in Ethiopia, which will contribute to the development of a sustainable healthcare system.
- Improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs over the long-term due to the improved quality of care provided by the ICU staff who have received training in mechanical ventilation management.
Our recent trip had a broad impact:
1. Healthcare Workers (HCWs): Primary beneficiaries in Adama, Ethiopia, where our project addressed significant training gaps in respiratory care. Our training program led by two respiratory therapies (Bill, Derebi), and me improved the skills of 46 HCWs, directly benefiting patient care.
2. Patients & Families: Improved respiratory care positively affected patients and their families in underserved communities.
3. Hospital Leadership: Our project also raised awareness among hospital leaders about disparities in respiratory care, encouraging prioritization of healthcare improvements.
4. Future Healthcare Providers: Our training initiative showcased the value of specialized respiratory care training, with 85% of trainees aiming for certification, influencing future healthcare education.
5. Donors & Supporters: Thanks to the support of generous donors like the Dox Foundation, our project's success was made possible, impacting the entire community.
