Pediatric Emergency Surgery Course in Uganda: Long-Term Follow-Up and Insights From Further Dissemination

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Surgical Education
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Uganda faces a critical shortage of pediatric surgeons, necessitating general surgeons to manage pediatric surgical conditions.
• The Pediatric Emergency Surgery Course (PESC) was developed to upskill rural healthcare providers in pediatric emergency surgery.
• The course was initially delivered in 2018-2019, with this study evaluating its long-term impact and current needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term knowledge retention of PESC alumni.
• To evaluate current pediatric surgery needs in rural Uganda.
• To identify areas for improvement in the PESC program and future educational initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of former PESC participants (n=23) re-took the course assessment to evaluate knowledge retention.
• A quantitative needs assessment was conducted with current course participants (n=15).
• Focus groups with participants and interviews with Surgical Chiefs at training sites provided qualitative data.

Main Results:

• Alumni demonstrated significant knowledge improvement, with post-course scores (71.9%) comparable to initial post-course scores from 2018-2019.
• Participants reported low confidence in managing pediatric surgical conditions and identified a lack of equipment and educational resources.
• Qualitative feedback highlighted the value of practical lessons and networking, with suggestions for further training and support staff.

Conclusions:

• The PESC program effectively imparts and retains pediatric surgical knowledge among rural providers.
• Sustained investment in locally relevant educational programs is crucial to address the persistent gap in pediatric surgical care.
• Addressing resource limitations and expanding training opportunities are key to improving pediatric surgical outcomes in Uganda.