6660 Launching the first ‘advanced malawian paediatric life support’ (AMPLS) course in Malawi

Objectives AMPLS has been written specifically to advance paediatric healthcare in Malawi. It is aligned to existing Emergency Triage and Treatment, Care of the Infant and Newborn, and Newborn Essential Solutions and Technology courses. It has been specifically adapted to suit healthcare in Malawi where limitations of staff, drugs and equipment are a reality. AMPLS focuses on resuscitation, stabilisation and management of a sick/injured child, through use of a common approach, effective communication and good teamwork, thus providing high quality, standardised care. Methods Collaborative Writing: This course was developed by an inter-professional team from the paediatric and child health department at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, KUHeS Teaching and Learning Development Centre (TLDC), with assistance from other sub-specialties (paediatric surgery, neurosurgery, plastics, radiology, intensive care) and volunteers. The material was externally reviewed by international paediatric emergency medicine consultants all of whom are actively involved in Advanced Paediatric Life Support. Funding: Main sponsors who made the official launch possible were Oslo University Hospital and Friends of Sick Children. Implementation: Following a previous pilot of the course, the director and volunteers spent time incorporating feedback and revising course materials. In accordance with TLDC, standardised best-of-five MCQ's were prepared to test pre- and post-course knowledge. Candidates were doctors, nurses and clinical officers in secondary/tertiary level healthcare facilities. The faculty comprised of Malawian and non-Malawian healthcare professionals, the latter of which all had significant work experience in Malawi. Results Having received the manual pre-course, candidates undertook 3-days of interactive lectures, skill stations and scenarios. Knowledge was assessed through continuous assessment, a pre- and post-knowledge MCQ and a simulation assessment. Of the 23 candidates only 4 failed and 11 were nominated as potential instructors (IP). An immediate post course evaluation form was completed by all candidates who felt this had improved both their technical and non-technical skills in managing a sick/injured child. Conclusion The success of the course is reflected in the successful participation of 23 candidates with 11 being nominated for IP. This ensures sustainability of the course. The launch had Ministry of Health (MoH) presence and wide media coverage, resulting in MoH agreeing to fund the next course in its entirety. AMPLS is also now being considered for adoption at national level. This is particularly pertinent in the context of the recent major incident (Cyclone Freddy, March 2023), where acute services were paramount in the delivery of care.