Dr. Janey Phelps recently returned from Malawi where she assisted the local team in establishing a simulation based patient safety program.
Phelps organized the establishment of the training and development program for anesthetists through the Department of Anesthesia’s global health initiative collaboration with Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), Lilongwe, Malawi, Africa.
In her two weeks at KCH, Phelps taught crisis management scenarios as well as provided training in how to use the simulator and debriefing techniques. By the end of the second week, the local anesthetists were providing their own training utilizing their new skills and equipment.
Phelps decided to utilize a Laerdal MegaCode Kid for the training because it offered the ability to train with a believable pediatric patient but also allowed for the team to “suspend disbelief” and treat the patient as an adult.
The MegaCode Kid simulator was donated by Laerdal Medical with electronics to operate the mannequin provided by the Department of Pediatrics. An onsite computer was loaded with software to provide a simulated patient monitor. The equipment stayed in Lilongwe so the new “simulationists” can continue to incorporate deliberate practice into their hospital.
Dr. Phelps is an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics as well as Medical Director of the Pediatric Sedation Service.
Thank you Laerdal Medical for supporting such an important global health initiative!
UNC collaborations with KCH began in 2009 with the UNC Malawi Surgical Initiative that was established in 2009 to provide education and training. To read more about the UNC Malawi Surgical Initiative, please check out the web site here.