Training Paediatric Therapists to Deliver Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) in Sub-Saharan Africa

Hospitals and therapists in developing countries often seek to learn how to deliver new forms of evidenced-based practice (EBP), including paediatric constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT). This study examines a partnership implemented in Ethiopia, which trained therapists in CIMT and proposes a framework for sustainable EBP training. The aim of this study is to apply a translational and implementation framework to build capacity for CIMT in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, that included intensive in-country training and hands-on delivery with patients, followed by clinical implementation and feedback. A goal was to develop a locally feasible, culturally relevant form of CIMT. We framed our partnership model in terms of an implementation science model for therapists from multiple hospitals in Addis Ababa. Measures included workshop attendance, delivery of the curriculum and assessment of therapist's knowledge, skills and feedback postworkshop. We established a successful partnership with a lead hospital and completed training for 12 therapists from five hospitals who demonstrated increases in knowledge and skills following training. We developed a new, practically useful, culturally appropriate form of CIMT for later implementation. This partnership was limited to training of paediatric therapists in sub-Saharan Africa. Future studies will report on therapists' ability to integrate this EBP training into clinical practice as well as future training.