Image courtesy of UN Global Surgery Learning Hub
The Centre for Global Surgery (CGS) is pleased to announce that, through its partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Global Surgery Foundation (GSF), its Trauma and Disaster Team Response course (TDTR) has gained notable recognition on the SURGhub platform. Since its launch on June 28, 2023, the course has become the second most popular, with over 850 enrolled learners. As of September 29, 2023, it has also been available via a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices.
The TDTR course is designed to improve care management for injured patients, including disaster response, with a multi-disciplinary approach tailored for frontline healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It features a hybrid-learning format, combining online lectures with in-person skill sessions, including team exercises and simulations. To explore the course in detail, click here.
Since its inception, the TDTR course has been delivered in partnership with local organizations in LMICs across Asia, Eastern Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. Both the online and in-person components have been successfully implemented. The TDTR online component is available free of charge in English and French.
Participant Demographics
Since the UN SURGhub platform’s launch in 2023, over 804 learners have enrolled in the English version of the online course, and 47 in the French version. Participants from over 85 countries, particularly from LMICs, have joined, demonstrating a diverse range of specialties and professions, including Trauma and General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency, Critical Care, Orthopedics, Anesthesia, Nursery, Pediatrics, among others.
Feedback and Insights
Overall Satisfaction: Participants have expressed satisfaction with the course content and delivery. One participant noted, "The course provided valuable insights into managing trauma patients that are applicable to my role in an emergency and trauma setting."
Relevance and Practicality: Feedback highlights the course’s relevance to participants, especially in LMICs. Another participant mentioned, "The practical approach of the course, combined with theory, helps participants gain the essential knowledge needed to save lives."
Learning Outcomes: Participants have reported significant improvements, including better preparedness for disasters and enhanced patient-care skills. They noted a better understanding of critical care procedures and effective crisis communication.
Course Delivery: Instructors have been praised for their expertise and engaging teaching style. Participants appreciated the clear explanations and interactive sessions that enriched their learning experience.
Areas for Improvement: While feedback is mostly positive, suggestions include adding more regional case studies and increasing interactive elements in online modules.
SURGhub Platform and CGS Partners
The virtual platform has been crucial in making the CGS TDTR course accessible worldwide. It allows learners to access online lessons through their mobile devices, making it easier for healthcare workers to complete the course from almost anywhere and at their own pace. Upon completing the lessons and quizzes, participants receive a UN certificate from the platform, validating their advanced knowledge and skills.
Since the TDTR course was made available on the UN SURGhub platform, the following partner countries have completed both the online and in-person components:
Tanzania:34 participants, Aug 16-18, 2023
Nepal: 36 participants, Aug 29-31, 2023
Palestine: 25 participants, Dec 26-27, 2023
Nepal: 23 participants, Jan 11-12, 2024
Senegal: 35 participants, Mar 20-21, 2024
Nepal: 33 participants, May 7-9, 2024
Since the UN SURGhub platform’s launch, 186 healthcare workers from CGS’s partner institutions, including Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute in Tanzania, Dhulikhel Hospital in Nepal, Juzoor for Health and Social Development hospital in Palestine, and the Gaston Berger University in Senegal, have completed the online component. Additional learners from around the world have also joined the platform to improve their skills.
Future Actions
In response to the growing interest from additional institutions and countries, CGS is poised to broaden the reach and content of the TDTR course. The organization plans to continue expanding its efforts to improve trauma care in low-resource settings by increasing the course’s availability and accessibility. Future actions include partnering with more local organizations, enhancing course content based on feedback, and exploring new delivery methods to support healthcare workers globally.
CGS is committed to advancing trauma care worldwide and will work towards further integrating the course into more regions, ultimately aiming to elevate care standards and support frontline workers in their critical roles.
Acknowledgements
CGS extends its gratitude to all collaborators for their invaluable contributions to the TDTR online component, to UNITAR and GSF for its support; and to the MGH Foundation and its donors for their continued backing of CGS’s international initiatives to enhance trauma care globally.