The objective of the project being implemented under the Malawian-German partnership is to introduce ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block of the upper extremity in the departments of anaesthesiology and intensive medicine at Zomba Central Hospital. The partners are the German Zomba Hospital Projekt e.V. and Zomba Central Hospital.
Background:
The anaesthesia capacity of Zomba Central Hospital is limited because only six anaesthetists are available and the requisite infrastructure is lacking. As a result, procedures often cannot be performed in a timely fashion. The use of ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block specifically blocks pain sensation in the arm and could help reduce capacity bottlenecks and enhance patient safety in the long term. For this technique to be used more often, the anaesthetists require training.
Activities:
-\tProject discussion in Malawi: sharing the principles, discussion and agreement about processes
-\tCompletion of the standard operating procedures
-\tProcurement of ultrasound equipment
-\tTraining of anaesthetists in Weimar
-\tIndependent performance of ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block
Impact:
The affected patients in Malawi will benefit from the introduction of brachial plexus block, because this anaesthetic technique is much less likely to have an adverse effect. The project will increase patient safety during procedures in the long term.