Efficacy and acceptability of an acute illness management course delivered to staff and students in Uganda by staff from the UK.

Abstract

Recent reviews report that healthcare professionals have limited training in managing acutely ill patients and that significant gains could be made in low-income countries by focussing on care of the critically ill. We aimed to determine if a UK-developed acute illness management course (AIM) was acceptable to staff and students in a low-income country and if it improved their knowledge. A total of 188 students and staff attended one of 8 one-day courses teaching a systematic approach to the recognition, assessment and management of acutely ill patients. A pre and post course test of knowledge was completed by 146/188 participants (77.7%) with a significant (p<0.001) increase in knowledge post course. Median increases in percentage scores by professional group ranged from 16-24%. A questionnaire about their experiences of the course and their intentions to use the AIM approach was completed by 81/188 participants (43.1%). The course was acceptable and participants indicated a high level of intention to use the approach. A UK-developed acute illness management course was acceptable in a low-income country and delivered significant increases in knowledge and a high intention to change practice. Future research must focus on understanding the implementation of education into clinical practice.