Improving trauma care - A case study from Dodoma, Tanzania

This article describes work done to support improvements to a trauma system in Dodoma, Tanzania. It was completed to augment a study-abroad program.

Dodoma is in the center of Tanzania in East Africa and has, in recent years, been designated as a center of government. Formerly the commercial and political center was Dar es Salaam which became an overcrowded city that was rich in resources but often inaccessible for the majority of the citizens. This has impacted the once quiet community f Dodoma with a great influx of people. Commerce and the services that are needed to support development have led to massive growth with plans for a well thought-out infrastructure to support it. It has also brought challenges to the region. Preparing for this growth, hospital personnel needed to be prepared to meet the health needs of the population. Rutgers' School of Nursing has embarked on a relationship with the region that has been beneficial to the Dodoma community as well as the Rutgers community.

This is a descriptive analysis of work that has been done in collaboration with Rutgers University, School of Nursing, University of Dodoma and the Regional Hospital of Dodoma which has included faculty and students.

An analysis was completed of bi-lateral work that has been conducted over three years.

Systems have been developed both clinically as well as educationally to increase knowledge of trauma care of patients.

Bilateral relationships are important not only for the visiting students and faculty but also for the country that is being visited.