Transforming healthcare in the Pacific with the Pacific Community

04 Dec 2023

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Strengthening critical care capability and healthcare systems in the Pacific region is a key priority for both the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) and the Pacific Community (SPC). SPC and the NCCTRC have been working collaboratively since 2020 to develop local expertise in the Pacific and enhance critical care capabilities. The most recent collaboration was the joint delivery of NCCTRC’s Essential Critical Care Course (ECCC) in Tuvalu.

SPC supports sustainable development of Pacific peoples well-being and resilience by applying a people-centred approach to science, research and technology across all of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), helping Pacific communities achieve safe, free, healthy, sustainable, productive and resilient futures. SPC tackles some of the region’s most complex developmental challenges, including health and climate action. The organisation's dedication to these issues was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw an urgent need for increased healthcare support across the region.

The partnership between NCCTRC’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)-funded Regional Engagement Program (REP) and SPC’s Public Health Division and Clinical Services Program initially began in response to the urgent needs during the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. As the Pacific region faced unprecedented healthcare challenges, the REP collaborated with SPC to provide online specialist technical clinical expertise, focusing on supporting urgent critical care training and capacity building. The REP also provided essential education to healthcare workers across the Pacific to support the rapid introduction of life-saving critical care technologies and ensure the safe and effective use of donated advanced specialist clinical care equipment such as ventilators and oxygen delivery devices. These joint efforts in collaboration with SPC and the World Health Organization (WHO) were specifically aimed at strengthening critical care healthcare systems.

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As the immediate threat of the pandemic began to recede, SPC and the NCCTRC shifted their focus to address the emerging long-term critical care needs of the region which included the delivery and development of tailored hands-on specialist clinical education programs. In June 2022, SPC and the NCCTRC signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formally acknowledge the commitment towards the ‘importance of capacity building and mentoring of Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) critical care physicians, trainees and junior doctors, critical care nurses and/or specialists and relevant allied health specialists.' As a result, they have collaboratively facilitated three NCCTRC Essential Critical Care Courses in Samoa, the Cook Islands and Tuvalu. The courses have been pivotal in not only elevating the proficiency of individual healthcare professionals but also in reinforcing the healthcare infrastructure of these countries.

Central to these training programs are the local facilitators. In Tuvalu, the involvement of Dr. Toko Amasone-Moulonga and Sister Felolini Lifuka has been pivotal. Not only did their participation ensure the relevance and sustainability of the educational programs, but it also provided them with vital specialist professional development opportunities. Working alongside NCCTRC’s Pacific Critical Care Nurse Education Consultant Beth Price and SPC’s Clinical Services Adviser Dr. Lamour Hansell, their collaboration exemplified the spirit intended by the REP and SPC. This joint effort, which recognised and utilised their clinical expertise, supported the ongoing sustainability, application and capacity building of the key course knowledge and skills. Furthermore, their synergy with local health experts was instrumental in tailoring the ECCC to meet the distinctive challenges of Tuvalu’s healthcare landscape.

“We purposely partner directly with local clinicians to ensure our education and training efforts are inclusive and sustainable,” said Dr. Hansell.

“Our collaborative efforts with NCCTRC are not just about addressing the immediate skills gap; they're about fostering a legacy of self-sufficient and robust healthcare systems in the Pacific."

The ECCC is more than just a course, it's a conduit for empowering participants with the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care in challenging environments. Over three intensive days, participants delve into aspects of critical care that transcend equipment and facilities. They explore patient management strategies, the nuances of clinical decision-making in resource-limited settings, and the psychosocial components of patient care. One participant quoted,

The training helps us improve our use of machines and expands our understanding of critical care. We also gain knowledge to enhance our work in the hospital and gain the confidence to teach our colleagues what we have learned during the workshop. This workshop has taught us the importance of combining technical skill with quality care in our practice.

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Beth emphasised the importance of training stating that, “A critical care area is not just about ventilators and machines, it's about the diligent, high quality care provided by trained professionals that truly makes a difference. Through the ECCC, we emphasise the holistic care of critically ill patients, which encompasses a blend of technical skill, clinical judgment and compassionate care.”

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, this tailored approach to training is indicative of the REP’s flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of each country. The ECCC course was designed after consultation with key stakeholders. This collaborative process allows for the selection of clinical modules that are most pertinent to the needs and existing facilities of the participating countries.

This adaptive training methodology has proven beneficial, with reports of enhanced clinical confidence and intent to share knowledge and build capacity within local communities. Such training highlights the value of the ECCC, revealing its influence not just on individual participants but on the wider health system's capability to manage acute health emergencies.

The partnership between NCCTRC and SPC demonstrates a shared commitment to improving critical care quality and access across the Pacific, ensuring that communities have the capacity to manage health emergencies more effectively.

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AUSMAT; Australian Medical Assistance Team; NCCTRC; National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre

Carla Yeung
Communications and Digital Engagement Officer

Supporting digital content creation, social media coverage and brand management, Carla is passionate about effective communication and digital outreach. With a background in social media, communications and community engagement roles, Carla combines her diverse experiences to create engaging content, leveraging online platforms to connect, inform, and engage with the public.