A Pilot Program Assessing Bronchoscopy Training and Program Initiation in a Low-income Country.

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Medical Education
• Global Health

Background:

• Flexible bronchoscopy is crucial for diagnosing and managing lung diseases.
• Access to flexible bronchoscopy technology and training is limited in low-middle income countries (LMICs).
• A pilot training program was established in Uganda to address this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of implementing a flexible bronchoscopy training program in Uganda.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal curriculum in improving physician competency.
• To establish procedural standards and a dedicated bronchoscopy suite.

Main Methods:

• A multimodal curriculum was co-developed by Ugandan and US pulmonologists.
• Training incorporated online learning, simulation, just-in-time training, and clinical proctoring.
• Competency was measured using standardized assessment tools and examinations.

Main Results:

• Three Ugandan physicians with no prior experience were trained.
• A total of 14 bronchoscopies were successfully performed with adequate sample collection and no complications.
• Trained physicians showed significant improvement in assessment scores, reaching a competent range.

Conclusions:

• Flexible bronchoscopy implementation is achievable in LMICs through competency-based training.
• The developed curriculum is a viable model for training in resource-limited settings.
• Further research is recommended to validate the curriculum for advanced bronchoscopic procedures.