G460(P) Teaching paediatric resuscitation in a resource limited setting in West Africa. (25th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oketah, ON; Macdonell, R; Koe, S; Okafor, I
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 105(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A165
• Page End: A166
• Publication Date: 2020-10-25
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-rcpch.396
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Paediatric Assessment Illness Resuscitation and Stabilisation Course (PAIRS) is an accredited one day course developed in Dublin for resource limited settings. The aim of this project was to deliver this course to front line paediatric staff in a south eastern Nigerian hospital. Methods: The course was delivered over 8 hours daily for 3 days with breaks in-between. On the 4th day, a number of delegates including doctors and senior nurses who had attended one of the 3 days were invited to participate in a more intensive course to develop more advanced skills in paediatric resuscitation and management of sick children. Delegates' knowledge was tested and they received certificates of completion at the end of the course. Results: Over the 4 days, 214 paediatric healthcare workers (136 doctors, 77 nurses, 1 'other') representing 21 hospitals were trained on a structured approach in the assessment and resuscitation of serious illness in children, team work and communication, paediatric early warning system and basic life support. Delegates reported increased knowledge and competency in the management of paediatric emergencies. Conclusion: The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about five children under 5 years of age die in Africa every minute. More than half of these child deaths are due to conditions that are preventable or treatable with simple interventions. Teaching paediatric resuscitation enhances the skills of paediatric responders and has been shown to directly reduce morbidity and improve patient survival. This course enhanced their knowledge and helped the participants formulate tools required for early recognition and monitoring of illness progression in paediatric patients. On completion of the course, a local faculty was also instated to commence simulation training in the local hospital with support from the Ireland faculty. The training was well received and had a lot of positive feedback.