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A new simulation and skills centre that allows a wide variety of health professionals and trainees to practise their patient care skills opened at the National University of Rwanda this summer. Dr. Patty Livingston, an associate professor at Dalhousie Medical School and a Capital Health anesthesiologist, led the planning and development of the facility.

Simulation and skills training is a core part of medical education in Canada and in many parts of the world, contributing to patient safety and quality care.  Simulation allows learners to practise skills and receive corrective feedback in a controlled environment before they use these skills on patients.

“In medical school, I’d never heard of simulation training,” said Dr. Gaston Nyirigira, an anesthesiology resident at the National University of Rwanda. “We usually used books, lectures, and drawings. You would crowd in and watch once with the surgeon. The second time you do it yourself right on the person, and call if you need help.”

Prior to the opening of the simulation and skills centre, there were few opportunities for hands-on learning. Now nurses, medical students, residents, and physicians can practise discrete skills, such as suturing, and participate in team training around the management of complex emergencies, such as obstetrical hemorrhage. All of these skills can be safely practised without risking harm to patients.

Following the Rwandan genocide, in 1994, there was only one anesthesiologist left in Rwanda for a population of eight million people. Since that time, the country has been working to re-establish its medical community and healthcare system.

Realizing the need for active experiential learning for health care trainees in the central African country, Dr. Livingston received a $100,000 Rising Stars in Global Health grant from Grand Challenges Canada.  The agency funds big-impact ideas in health care.

"It has been thrilling to experience the enthusiasm of the students who are able to practise techniques they may have only watched in the past,” said Dr. Livingston, medical director of global health, Dalhousie Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine. “They are excited to be taught in a good learning environment, with proper training tools and supportive teachers.  Keen learners are a delight to teach."

Through the dedication of partners in Rwanda and Canada, the simulation and skills centre was developed in a small freestanding building on the grounds of University Teaching Hospital in Kigali. Teaching programs were designed to use durable low cost materials along with sound educational principles for a sustainable program in this low-resource setting.

 “The importance of this centre is tremendous,” said Prof. Patrick Kyamanywa, dean of medicine at National University of Rwanda. “We hope it will advance the quality of medical education and the healthcare service in Rwanda.”