Scholarlink

Introduction <p>Although the recent expansion of pediatric surgical services in Rwanda has improved patient outcomes, pediatric surgery specialists are available only at referral hospitals. Children with surgical conditions are often first evaluated by non-specialist physicians at district or regional hospitals prior to definitive transfer. Knowledge gaps exist in the initial management of pediatric surgical conditions among non-specialist physicians. This study assesses the impact of a needs-directed short course for non-specialist physicians in Rwanda.</p> Methods <p>Nine prioritized pediatric surgical conditions were identified through an expert-led modified two-stage Delphi. Course content was created to fill knowledge gaps, determined through a needs assessment. Pediatric surgeons and local trainees delivered the course to non-specialist physicians at five district and regional hospitals. Participant reactions and knowledge were analyzed using RStudiov1.1.4, and thematic analysis was performed on free text responses.</p> Results <p>Fifty-nine non-specialist physicians with heterogeneous experience participated. Participants rated the course highly, and self-rated knowledge and confidence increased on all conditions. Overall knowledge-based scores and initial management for all conditions improved substantially. More participants indicated that they knew how to contact a member of the pediatric surgical team after the course. Positive themes included acquisition of knowledge that was relevant to practice, effective course execution, and the interactive nature of the course. Themes for improvement centered on desire for more content and course availability.</p> Conclusions <p>As pediatric surgical capacity improves, safe initial management is critical. A novel, needs-directed short course for non-specialist physicians appears to be an effective way to address knowledge gaps and improve the referral process through direct connection with specialists. Providing such a course on a regular basis to senior medical students and new graduates is a promising avenue to improving the provision of safe, timely pediatric surgical care.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Strengthening pediatric surgical readiness: outcomes of a needs-directed short course for non-specialist physicians in Rwanda

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月17日

查看全文
  • Phillip J. Hsu,
  • Donata Kwizera,
  • Faustin Ishimwe,
  • Diane Ingabire,
  • Jean Pierre Habumufasha,
  • Japhet Ntezamizero,
  • Axelle Nduwimana,
  • Chaste Dominique Niyihuza,
  • Evarist Ruhinda,
  • Carine Uwakunda,
  • Paris D. Rollins,
  • Alain Jules Ndibanje,
  • Varshini Odayar,
  • Robert Riviello,
  • Barnabas T. Alayande,
  • Robin T. Petroze,
  • Edmond Ntaganda

摘要

Introduction

Although the recent expansion of pediatric surgical services in Rwanda has improved patient outcomes, pediatric surgery specialists are available only at referral hospitals. Children with surgical conditions are often first evaluated by non-specialist physicians at district or regional hospitals prior to definitive transfer. Knowledge gaps exist in the initial management of pediatric surgical conditions among non-specialist physicians. This study assesses the impact of a needs-directed short course for non-specialist physicians in Rwanda.

Methods

Nine prioritized pediatric surgical conditions were identified through an expert-led modified two-stage Delphi. Course content was created to fill knowledge gaps, determined through a needs assessment. Pediatric surgeons and local trainees delivered the course to non-specialist physicians at five district and regional hospitals. Participant reactions and knowledge were analyzed using RStudiov1.1.4, and thematic analysis was performed on free text responses.

Results

Fifty-nine non-specialist physicians with heterogeneous experience participated. Participants rated the course highly, and self-rated knowledge and confidence increased on all conditions. Overall knowledge-based scores and initial management for all conditions improved substantially. More participants indicated that they knew how to contact a member of the pediatric surgical team after the course. Positive themes included acquisition of knowledge that was relevant to practice, effective course execution, and the interactive nature of the course. Themes for improvement centered on desire for more content and course availability.

Conclusions

As pediatric surgical capacity improves, safe initial management is critical. A novel, needs-directed short course for non-specialist physicians appears to be an effective way to address knowledge gaps and improve the referral process through direct connection with specialists. Providing such a course on a regular basis to senior medical students and new graduates is a promising avenue to improving the provision of safe, timely pediatric surgical care.