title: Combining Dedicated Online Training and Apprenticeships in the Field to Assist in Professionalization of Humanitarian Aid Workers: a 2-year Pilot Project for Anesthesia and Intensive Care Residents Working in Resource Constrained and Low-income Countries.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  As a result of the gaps in humanitarian response highlighted by several reports, the international community called for an increased professionalization of humanitarian aid workers. This paper describes a pilot project by an Italian university and a non-profit, non-governmental organization to implement a medical apprenticeship in low-income countries during Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine residencies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Before deployment, participants were required to complete a dedicated online training course about safety and security in the field, principles of anesthesia at the district hospital level, emergency and essential surgical care, essentials of medical treatment in resource-constrained environments and psychological support in emergencies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the end of the program, a qualitative self-evaluation questionnaire administered to participants highlighted how the project allowed the participants to advance their professional skills when working in a low-resource environment, while also mastering their adapting skills and the ability to interact and cooperate with local healthcare personnel. The project also proved to be a means for personal growth, making these experiences a recommendation for all residents as a necessary step for the professionalization of healthcare personnel involved in humanitarian aid.
authors: Center for Research and Education in Emergency and Disaster Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy.
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Foletti
authors: Center for Research and Education in Emergency and Disaster Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Science, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy.
authors: Pier Luigi
authors: PL
authors: Ingrassia
authors: Research Center in Emergency and Disaster Medicine and Computer Science Applied to Medical Practice (CRIMEDIM), Department of Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy.
authors: Luca
authors: L
authors: Ragazzoni
authors: Center for Research and Education in Emergency and Disaster Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy.
authors: Ahmadreza
authors: A
authors: Djalali
authors: Research Center in Emergency and Disaster Medicine and Computer Science Applied to Medical Practice (CRIMEDIM), Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Novara, Italy.
authors: Alba
authors: A
authors: Ripoll Gallardo
authors: Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
authors: Frederick M
authors: FM
authors: Burkle
authors: Center for Research and Education in Emergency and Disaster Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Science, Novara, Italy. Academy for Emergency Management and Disaster Medicine (EMDM Academy).
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Della Corte
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