Early Implementation Outcomes of a Virtual Otolaryngology Training Pilot for Primary Care Providers in Rwanda

Objective

Otolaryngologic diseases of the head and neck contribute greatly to the global surgery disease burden. With less than 30 ENTs for a population of 13.2 million, Rwanda has significant gaps in otolaryngologic care. This study assessed early implementation outcomes of the first virtual otolaryngology training for primary care providers (PCPs) in Rwanda.

Study Design

Pre‐Post Intervention.

Setting

This study was conducted among Rwandan PCPs who participated in a virtual otolaryngology training session, held on Zoom on July 27, 2024.

Methods

A virtual training led by Rwandan otolaryngologists was developed to teach PCPs about commonly encountered otolaryngology conditions. Preintervention, immediate postintervention, and 1‐month postintervention surveys of attendees measured the training's appropriateness, acceptability, and effectiveness.

Results

Seventy‐four PCPs attended. There were 49 respondents preintervention, 62 respondents immediately postintervention, and 30 respondents 1‐month postintervention. Twenty‐three of the 30 Rwandan districts were represented.

The training was highly appropriate with all respondents agreeing that training topics were relevant to their clinical practices. The training was also highly acceptable, with 80% of respondents preferring the online format over other modalities. Respondents' knowledge assessment scores improved by 10% on average. The majority of respondents felt the training improved their ability to assess, manage, and refer patients with otolaryngology conditions. These perceptions were maintained 1‐month postintervention.

Conclusion

The first virtual otolaryngology training focused on PCPs in Rwanda was highly appropriate, acceptable, and effective. Given the burden of otolaryngology disease and otolaryngology workforce shortages, virtual training of PCPs is an innovative format in resource‐constrained health systems, such as in Rwanda.