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This article discusses the achievements, challenges, and perspectives of the Anesthesiology Residency program in Rwanda, supported by the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society International Education Foundation (CASIEF). It highlights the socio-economic background of Rwanda, the rationale for the postgraduate program, the support provided by CASIEF, and the achievements and challenges faced by volunteers and local staff. The article concludes with future perspectives and the need for continued support from Canadian institutions.
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Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society International Education Foundation(CASIEF) in RwandaSupport to the Anesthesiology Residency: Achievements,Challenges & Perspectives Theogene TWAGIRUMUGABE, MD Anesthesiology Programme Director Department of Anesthesiology & ICU National University of Rwanda
Background Socio-economic: * Total population: 8,2 millions* Per Capita GNP: 250US $ * Infant and Maternal Mortality * Infant mortality: 86/1000 (DHS,2005)* Under 5 Mortality: 152/1000 (DHS, 2005)* Maternal mortality: 750/ 100,000 (DHS, 2005) * Doctors: 1/50,000 inhabitants * Nurses: 1/3,900 inhabitants
Background Lack of personnel, very crucial in rural areas • A large proportion of MDs practise in urban centres where only 15%population live: 3 referral hospitals ↔ 40 district hospitals • 17% of Nurses in rural areas • Anesthesia = among depressed areas of specialisation in developing world / Rwanda
Rationale of Postgraduate programme in Rwanda • Growing demand of specialist care in the world • European universities do no longer accept candidates for the clinical training • Anti-brain-drain mechanism? • Community-based educational system orientation ►Introduction of Postgraduate programme of Medicine/ National University of Rwanda (NUR)
Postgraduate at NUR • Launched in 1997 at NUR : Obstetrics/Gynecology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, General Surgery • Anesthesia joined in 2002: part of residency in France, Tunisia and/or Belgium • The whole training in Rwanda began in 2006 with CASIEF’s support (MoU 2005)
November 2005 Signing of Memorandum of Understanding Government of Rwanda National University of Rwanda Kigali Health Institute CASIEF
The CASIEF support • Start: January 2006 • Goal : To assist NUR and Rwanda to develop and run its own sustainable residency training program in anesthesiology ( previous experience in Nepal, 1980s) • Training programme duration: 4 years • Degree: Master’s in Anesthesiology from NUR • Send Lecturers: volunteers • CASIEF to pay flight & visa expenditures (Members’ donation) • Lodging/Transport: Ministry of Health & NUR • Teaching mission duration: at least 1 month/volunteer
ACHIEVEMENTS Volunteers’ mission • Formal Teaching (seminars): one half-day/week • Clinical Training in OR in the 3 training hospitals • Mentoring of dissertations & final assessments of the first graduants • Curriculum review
Residents (2009):9 PG-Y4: 2 PG-Y3: 2 PG-Y1: 5 ACHIEVEMENTS
ACHIEVEMENTS August 2008: Visit of CASIEF chair Review of the programme to build a self-sustaining programme: • Coordination of teaching/symbiosis: - Programme Director (PD) - Assistant PD - Chief Resident • Other Important issues: - Training staff in educational and assessment techniques -Fellowships in the main & important specialisations - Rwandan Residents Overseas Rotation to improve skills and knowledge
CHALLENGES Volunteers: • Working conditions: old equipment, shortages of drugs and other supplies • Living conditions • Some clinical sub-specialities absent • May be asked to teach a block/module different from their area of expertise • Not really involved in the assessment ( 1 month?) • Continuity of the programme? • Creation of symbiosis
CHALLENGES Local staff/Residents: • Very young staff • Number of staff: 10 anesthesiologists in the country • Not enough time to fully devote to education • Symbiosis volunteers-local staff • Lack of attraction of Medical students to the program
PERSPECTIVES • Residents Elective in Canada(6 mo at least): - settled objectives - before their final assessment - Educational license? • Young Staff: - Fellowships tailored to the urgent needs/key areas: Obstetrics,Emergency,Paediatrics,Intensive Care ,… - APD: training in Educationnal techniques
Summary • Crucial need of anesthesiologists in Rwanda→Patient Safety: WHO 2008« Safe Surgery Saves Lifes » • Training supported by CASIEF: fruitful ( volontary service) BUT: • A self-sustaining programme needs: • Training of trainers: Fellowship • Residents to rotate abroad ►future trainers; for skills& knowledge in safe anesthesia, enthusiasm, attraction