Refining Essential Emergency and Critical Care Training: A Stakeholder Workshop in Dar es Salaam
On 12th February 2025, key stakeholders gathered in Dar es Salaam for an important workshop focused on improving the Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC) training course. The event brought together representatives from Tanzania’s Ministries of Health (Mainland and Zanzibar), PORALG, UNICEF, EECC implementation regions, and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). Their goal? To refine a training program that will enhance essential life-saving care across Tanzania.
Understanding EECC and Its Importance
The workshop began with an introduction to EECC, highlighting its role in improving emergency and critical care services. Participants were given an overview of EECC implementation in Tanzania (EECCiT) and the current gaps in training for healthcare workers. This context set the stage for discussions on how the EECC course could be optimized to better equip frontline medical staff.
Hands-on Review of Training Materials
After the initial presentations, participants were divided into small groups to review specific sections of the training course. This process ensured that each part of the course was carefully assessed by multiple experts. The groups then re-formed, allowing each participant to share their findings and discuss potential improvements with new team members.
Gathering Constructive Feedback
To ensure a thorough evaluation, feedback was collected in several ways:
Group Discussions: A final whole-group session allowed participants to share insights and recommendations.
Written Comments: Attendees provided detailed notes on their handouts.
Digital Survey: A follow-up feedback session used a digital tool (“menti”) to capture additional suggestions.
Positive Outcomes and Next Steps
The overall response to the training course was highly positive. Stakeholders agreed that the course will be a vital component in strengthening emergency and critical care services in Tanzania. Their feedback will now be used to refine the training materials, ensuring they are both comprehensive and practical for healthcare workers.
By involving a diverse group of experts and frontline professionals, this workshop has taken a crucial step towards improving essential emergency and critical care training. With continued collaboration, the EECC course will help save lives and improve healthcare across Tanzania.