Evaluation of training program for surgical trauma teams in Botswana

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Trauma Surgery
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Trauma care presents significant global healthcare challenges, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
• Improving trauma care requires enhancements from pre-hospital to rehabilitation stages.
• National training programs for multidisciplinary trauma teams can yield positive outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term effects of a national multidisciplinary trauma team training program in Botswana.
• To evaluate changes in resources, infrastructure, administration, and quality improvement in trauma care.

Main Methods:

• The "Better and Systematic Team Training" (BEST) program was implemented in all Botswana government hospitals (2007-2009).
• Evaluations included interviews, questionnaires, and physical inspections based on WHO guidelines.
• Data on resources, infrastructure, administration, and quality improvement were compared pre- and post-implementation (2-year follow-up).

Main Results:

• Most hospitals established local trauma organizations, with some conducting simulations and forming multidisciplinary teams.
• Development of local trauma guidelines and registries was noted.
• Improvements in advanced airway management equipment and skills were observed, particularly in the northern region.

Conclusions:

• The BEST program led to positive changes in trauma administrative functions and quality improvement in Botswana hospitals.
• Moderate improvements in technical equipment and skills, primarily for airway and breathing management, were achieved.
• The study highlights the benefits of systematic training for enhancing trauma care systems.