Simulation Education to Advance Emergency Medicine and Pediatric Critical Care in Nepal

Abstract

Background: Internationally emergency medicine is a relatively young specialty that is increasingly recognized for its potential for growth. In low middle-income (LMICs) like resources are quite limited and the development of new specialties such as emergency medicine can be slow to evolve. Specific areas of emergency care, including pediatric critical care have significant challenges due to clinical and educational limitations in countries like Nepal. Countries with robust healthcare systems like the United States can play a significant role in bridging this education and clinical divide in LMICs. In 2018 and 2019 the University of Toledo Medical Center in collaboration with Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University Hospital School of Medicine developed adult and pediatric critical emergency care workshops and educational sessions in an effort to improve the development of emergency medicine in Nepal. These sessions included hands-on workshops, educational lectures, and simulation participation environments in critical care procedures and decision making for both adult and pediatric emergencies. In these two workshops a total of 71 participants, including Nepalese emergency care providers ranging from pre-hospital personnel to faculty, engaged in these sessions. Results: Pre and post-workshop surveys were provided and this subjective data showed significant improvement in confidence levels along with procedural skills technique and knowledge as a result of the educational sessions provided. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary education and workshops to LMIC are necessary for development of emergency medicine and pediatric critical care. Simulation education and workshop training are highly valuable “hands on” methods to educate these healthcare providers. Highly developed healthcare systems in emergency and critical care must assist in the world wide development acute care management in these poorly resourced countries