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Abstract; Background: There is a pressing need for emergency care training in low-resource settings. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of training front-line health care providers in emergency care with the WHO-ICRC Basic Emergency Care Course using a training-of-trainers model with local providers.Methods: Observational study of an educational intervention at four first level district hospitals in Tanzania and Uganda. A two-day training-of-trainers course was held in both Tanzania and Uganda. These were immediately followed by a 5-day BEC course, taught by the newly trained trainers, at two district level hospitals in each country. Difference between pre- and post-basic emergency care knowledge assessments and difference in pre- and post-emergency care skill confidence scores were assessed. Secondary outcomes include qualitative feedback on the training from participants and trainers. Results: 59 participants completed the BEC courses. All participants were current health care workers in the selected hospitals. An additional 10 participants completed a training-of-trainers course. Knowledge assessment scores improved significantly at all four sites with an overall 20.7 point (95%CI: 16.8 to 24.6; p <0.0001) absolute increase on a 100-point scale. Confidence scores on emergency care skills also improved significantly at all sites, 0.74 point (95%CI 0.63-0.84; p <0.0001) absolute increase on a 4-point scale. Main qualitative feedback themes were: positive reception of the sessions, especially hands-on skills; request for additional BEC trainings; request for obstetric topics; and need for more allotted training time.Conclusions: Implementation of WHO-ICRC BEC Course by locally trained providers was feasible, acceptable, and well-received at four sites in East Africa. Knowledge assessment scores and trainee confidence increased significantly at all sites. The BEC is a low-cost intervention that can improve knowledge and skill confidence across provider cadres. |
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