Emergency Obstetrics Training stories

We've written about the emergency obstetrics training courses before. ALSO (Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics) as it is called, has been one of the most effective, interesting, and sustainable projects we have done in Tanzania.

As all health care providers know, it is one thing to read about uncontrolled bleeding and how to treat it; it is immensely more helpful if you can practice how to treat the bleeding. Especially with your peers, and in a non-threatening situation.

Comparing our ALSO course with the typical emergency obstetrics course offered in Tanzania:

Our ALSO vs. typical course
1. We go to provider’s hospital vs 1. Providers are taken to an outside location
2. Course lasts 2-3 days vs. 2. Course lasts 3 weeks
3. Mostly hands-on, role-playing vs. 3. Mostly lectures, talks
4. Costs ~$130 per provider vs. 4. Costs ~$1200 per provider
5. Each participant can become vs. 5. Usually instructors prearranged
an instructor based on evaluation
6. Evidence-based information vs. 6. Sometimes evidence-based information

It is easier to learn emergency obstetrics training in your own hospital, in just 2-3 days, with your colleagues practicing with you. It is more effective to have instructors who can explain things in English and Swahili. Because of these methods, the ALSO course is a cost-effective training- funded exclusively by individuals (through the Blue Jean Ball funds) and the local Tanzanian hospitals.

In this video, you hear from two KCMC midwives who first were ALSO course participants, and then became instructors. They give examples of how some simple techniques have been able to help them save lives.

Thanks to Dr. Puri, our current global health fellow, we have 4 ALSO courses scheduled in the next month, with more than 100 providers planning to attend.