Smile Train Africa Holds Inaugural SAFE Paeds Training in DRC

Overview

28 physician and nurse anesthetists from Smile-Train partner hospitals across DRC were invited. All invited participants attended and ten were selected to attend the additional training of trainers. The training was held at the Centre Caritas Kinshasa.

The full three-day Pediatric course was presented entirely in French through Powerpoint-aided lectures, breakout sessions and demonstration stations.

10 Physician anesthetists underwent the training of trainers (TOT), equipping them to offer trainings in future and cascade the training to other anesthesia providers in DRC and wider Africa.

The course has been shown in multiple countries to have a positive impact on the anesthesia provision in represented hospitals.

Course equipment was purchased by Smile Train and some were donated through Dr. Faye at Boston Children's Hospital as per the Safe Paeds Equipment list.

Each participant received a notebook, pen, and name badge at registration, and a pocket handbook after completing the pre-testing. Upon closing, each participant received a USB with lectures, laminates, videos, and the handbook, and a certificate of completion.

Testing

Participants completed pre- and post-course knowledge and skills assessments. A summary of the results is below. (n = number of participants tested)

Knowledge Assessment (50 questions)	Pre-test (n=27)	Post-test (n=28)
Average points	36.1	41.2
Average percentage correct	72.2%	82.4%

Skills test (10 possible)	Pre-test	Post-test	Percentage increase in skills
Child First Aid (n=8)	6	7.1	11%
Intubation (n=6)	7.5	8	5%
Trauma (n=6)	5.3	9.6	43%
Newborn Resuscitation (n=6)	5.2	8	28%

Acknowledgments

Smile Train Africa in DRC is grateful to the following for their tremendous support in the success of the training;

• World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists (WFSA)
• Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital
• Krissy Close, course coordinator
• Dr. Faye Evans, Smile Train Global Medical Advisory Board