Brady Tassicker1, Tanebu Tong2, Teitinana Ribanti2, Angie Gittus3, Bronwen Griffiths3. 1. Emergency Department, Northwest Regional Hospital, Burnie, Tasmania, Australia. 2. Emergency Department, Tungaru Central Hospital, Tarawa, Kiribati. 3. Emergency Department, Murwillumbah District Hospital, Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To summarise recent developments in emergency care in Kiribati, a developing Pacific Island nation. Multiple donor countries and agencies have partnered in this process. Changes in medical training, staffing models and planned infrastructure developments are all described, with a particular focus on a recent emergency nurse training programme. METHODS: A bespoke nurse education course was developed by external clinical nurse specialists in collaboration with local administrators and clinicians, incorporating WHO Basic Emergency Care course. The nine-day course was delivered to 18 nurses, over a 3-week period to accommodate rostering requirements. Pre- and post-course assessment was undertaken. RESULTS: Quantitative assessment improved from 87.11 ± 7.46 (mean ± SD) to 94.89 ± 5.95 (t = 5.45, P < 0.001). Qualitative scenario-based assessment confirmed marked improvement. CONCLUSIONS: A multifaceted development strategy has proven essential for progression in emergency care. Nurse education is an essential component of this, and the existing model has potential for other similar nations.
OBJECTIVES: To summarise recent developments in emergency care in Kiribati, a developing Pacific Island nation. Multiple donor countries and agencies have partnered in this process. Changes in medical training, staffing models and planned infrastructure developments are all described, with a particular focus on a recent emergency nurse training programme. METHODS: A bespoke nurse education course was developed by external clinical nurse specialists in collaboration with local administrators and clinicians, incorporating WHO Basic Emergency Care course. The nine-day course was delivered to 18 nurses, over a 3-week period to accommodate rostering requirements. Pre- and post-course assessment was undertaken. RESULTS: Quantitative assessment improved from 87.11 ± 7.46 (mean ± SD) to 94.89 ± 5.95 (t = 5.45, P < 0.001). Qualitative scenario-based assessment confirmed marked improvement. CONCLUSIONS: A multifaceted development strategy has proven essential for progression in emergency care. Nurse education is an essential component of this, and the existing model has potential for other similar nations.