KeepMeSafe in Sudan
For Better Paediartic Intensive Care
Introduction
The health care system in Sudan in general and the paediatrics intensive care units in specific have ongoing struggles that directly and indirectly affect patients’ safety. Such as lack of consumable and non-consumable materials, problems with infrastructures, shortage of drugs and inadequate staffing training, unaffordable private sectors, etc. This has led to the closure of the government PICUs on several occasions, significantly impacting critically ill children.
In response, the KeepMeSAFE project has been initiated by two Junior paediatrics trainees in the UK. We targeted Khartoum’s three paediatric critical care units (Gaafar Ibnawuf, Alamin Hamid ( Omdurman), and Ibrahim Malik teaching hospitals). Also, we included Ahmed Gasim HDU and Sudan heart centre PCIC. The three hospitals receive trauma, cardiac and general paediatric intensive care patients across Khartoum state & surrounding areas.
" A Child's Critical Fight Shouldn't be a Matter of Chance "
What is KeepMeSafe?
KeepMeSafe project is a program to train the nursing and junior doctors in the paediatric critical care units in Khartoum, improve the staffing issues and maintain the services.
"KeepMeSafe is more than just a project; it's a promise"
Where We Step In
Our Goals and Achievements: Building a Brighter Future for Paediatric Critical Care in Sudan
At KeepMeSafe, we’re driven by a clear vision: every child in Sudan deserves access to high-quality critical care. To achieve this, we set ambitious goals and work tirelessly to see them through. Here’s a glimpse into what we’ve accomplished so far:
Empowering Healthcare Heroes: We’ve trained over 80 nurses and junior doctors in Khartoum’s PICUs, equipping them with vital skills in paediatric respiratory care, airway management, and circulatory emergencies.
Transforming Lives, One Breath at a Time: We’ve donated nine manikins, airway equipment, and educational materials to enhance practical training and improve patient care.
Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: We’ve facilitated connections between hospitals, establishing a platform for ongoing communication and exchange of best practices.
Regular Simulation Sessions: Our local faculty lead monthly simulation sessions in each hospital, keeping skills sharp and ensuring continued learning.
Knowledge Sharing in the Cloud: We host virtual case presentations and CBD sessions every month, fostering a vibrant community of learning and continuous improvement.
Building a Strong Foundation: We’re working towards establishing the Sudanese PICU Association, a dedicated platform for advocacy and development in the field.
Remember, your support is crucial in helping us reach more children and save more lives. Please consider donating or volunteering today. Together, we can KeepMeSafe!
KeepMeSafe Timeline
Preparation Phase
Project inception and planning: Identify needs of Khartoum PICUs, define project goals, and develop a two-stage implementation plan.
International Faculty Recruitment: Advertise for facilitators via BSAPCH platform, receive and select applications based on experience and availability.
Sudan Local Faculty Selection: Choose trainers from PICUs in Khartoum through recommendations and interviews.
Course Outline and Materials: Design program based on PICU needs, prepare safe handbook materials and APLS algorithms.
Manikin and Consumable Procurement: Purchase manikins via BSAPCH funds and receive donations from facilitators.
Venue Arrangement: Secure Soba Teaching Centre as the course venue.
Course Implementation Phase
Pre-Course Activities:
Register 80 candidates: nurses, junior residents, and medical officers from targeted hospitals.
Ship course materials and airway equipment to Sudan.
Course Days:
Day 1: Pre-course MCQ test, lectures on paediatric respiratory conditions, and practical sessions on airway skills.
Day 2: Lectures on circulatory conditions and shock scenarios, and practical sessions on vascular access skills.
Post-Course Activities:
Conduct post-course MCQ test.
Provide printable certificates for candidates and soft-copy certificates for facilitators.
Hold appreciation ceremonies for Soba exam centre team, Prof. Ihab Tarawa, and SAP.
Organize farewell dinner for international faculty.
Second Stage (Sustainability & Continuous Support)
Regular simulation training sessions by local faculty in each hospital (started August 2023).
Monthly CBD virtual sessions with case presentations from different PICUs.
Establishment of the Sudanese PICU Association as a platform for PICU activities.
Regular M&M meetings every three months.
Development of national PICU guidelines.
Refreshment virtual course within six months of initial training.
Third Stage (Evaluation & Improvement)
Service evaluation after one year across the three hospitals.
Presentation of findings at relevant conferences.
Continued financial support for PICUs via the Sudanese PICU Association.
Establishment of a KeepMeSafe office sponsored by BSAPCH.
Development of paediatric intensive care and emergency medicine fellowship programs.
Team Members
Dr. Arwa Othman