Otolaryngology outreach to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital: a medical and educational partnership

J Laryngol Otol. 2017 Jul;131(7):608-613. doi: 10.1017/S0022215117000330. Epub 2017 Feb 14.

Abstract

Background: Medical and educational partnerships between high- and low-resourced countries provide opportunities to have a long-term meaningful impact on medical training and healthcare delivery.

Methods: An otolaryngology partnership between Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, and the University of Michigan Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery has been undertaken to enhance healthcare delivery at both institutions.

Results: A temporal bone dissection laboratory, with the equipment to perform dedicated otological surgery, and academic platforms for clinical and medical education and residency training have been established.

Conclusion: This article describes the details of this partnership in otological surgery and hearing health, with an emphasis on creating in-country surgical simulation, training on newly acquired medical equipment and planning regarding the formulation of objectified metrics to gauge progress going forward.

Keywords: Audiology; Developing Countries; Ghana; Hospitals; Otolaryngology; Otologic Surgical Procedures; Teaching; Temporal Bone.

MeSH terms

  • Delivery of Health Care / organization & administration
  • Developing Countries*
  • Durable Medical Equipment
  • Ghana
  • Hospitals, Teaching / organization & administration*
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • International Cooperation*
  • Internship and Residency / organization & administration*
  • Michigan
  • Otolaryngology / education*