title: Development of a simulation and skills centre in East Africa: a Rwandan-Canadian partnership.
abstract: Simulation replicates clinical experiences without patient risk; it remains uncommon in lower-income countries. We outline the creation of Rwanda's first centre for simulation and skills training. We secured funding for renovations, equipment and staff; curricula were developed, tested, and refined; local clinicians were trained to teach. In 13 months the centre provided 2,377 learning-encounters and 822 hours of training to Rwandan health care professionals. Our strategy represents an adaptable model for simulation and skills centre development in low-resources settings.
authors.affiliation: Dalhousie University, Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Livingston
authors.affiliation: Dalhousie University, Department of Surgery, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.affiliation: University of Rwanda, Department of Surgery, Kigali, Rwanda.
authors.forename: Georges
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ntakiyiruta
authors.affiliation: University of Rwanda, Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Kigali, Rwanda.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mukwesi
authors.affiliation: Dalhousie University, Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Whynot
authors.affiliation: University of Alberta, Critical Care Medicine, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Brindley
mesh_terms: D000351:Africa, Eastern; D002170:Canada; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003162:Competency-Based Education / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D007391:International Cooperation; D016544:Patient Simulation; D016730:Program Development; D012432:Rwanda
keywords: Low-Income Country; Medical Education; Rwanda; Simulation