5982 Achievements and challenges of a paediatrics simulation programme (PSP) in resource-constrained healthcare settings, the KeepMeSAFE project

Objectives Simulation-based training is extensively utilised in medical education within high-income countries, but its implementation in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been restricted. Sudan's healthcare system, especially in acute and critical paediatrics, has faced obstacles such as political instability, financial burdens, brain drain to wealthier healthcare systems, and a lack of trainers are just a few challenges facing Sudan's healthcare system. Through frequent, centralised, and hospital-based Paediatrics simulation programs (PSP), we have focused on developing an innovative strategy to address this lack of structured practical training. To accomplish this, we describe the KeepMeSAFE project. Methods The KeepMeSAFE project is designed to enhance practical paediatric training in Sudan's healthcare system through three stages. In the first stage, a fully funded course wa conducted by international faculty to identify prospective local trainers. The second stage involves monthly virtual case-based discussion activities. For the third stage, a pil (PSP) was initiated in August 2022, led by local instructors in two hospitals located in Khartoum city. International instructors joined through a virtual platform. The project plans to progress to stage three based on the outcomes and feedback obtained from the pilot phase. Results Stages one and two of the KeepMeSAFE project progressed smoothly. Stage three faced challenges, such as a lack of teaching materials, program sustainability issues, limited awareness among healthcare professionals, and difficulties implementing constructive debriefs. To overcome these obstacles, the project provided low-fidelity manikins, offered personalised feedback, and conducted virtual sessions to train local instructors. Despite the challenges, the project achieved significant milestones, including establishing a regional paediatrics simulation centre at no cost, forming mobile simulation training teams in two hospitals, and creating a Paediatrics rapid response team. The local instructors now prioritise debriefing after significant events and simulation sessions as part of their regular practice. The project aims to establish mobile simulation teams in all Paediatrics units in Khartoum city and incorporate the PSP into the national paediatrics training curriculum. These accomplishments highlight the effectiveness of the KeepMeSAFE project in enhancing healthcare training in developing nations and promoting the use of immersive simulation to enhance the capabilities of medical professionals. Conclusion Due to the limited availability of ongoing intensive assessment and support in courses offered to LMICs, the KeepMeSAFE project has devised a three-stage approach to enhance paediatric healthcare training in Sudan. The project focuses on the second and third stages, which involve monthly sessions and a pilot PSP. The PSP has successfully created a secure and high-quality learning environment for paediatric professionals through simulation. Findings indicate that simulation surpasses other methods in improving both clinical and non-clinical skills. Additionally, the monthly sessions maintain up-to-date knowledge of guidelines and evidence-based medicine in acute Paediatrics. To ensure the sustainability of these achievements, further collaboration and effort from international and local faculty members are necessary. Exploring partnerships with other simulation groups could present a long-term solution for maintaining these accomplishments. By replicating the KeepMeSAFE project in different resource- limited settings, similar positive outcomes can be achieved, including staff education and improved healthcare.