Capacity building for the provision of rheumatological services in sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction: A project aimed to develop and deliver a clinical training course in Accra, Ghana, to increase patient access to physicians trained in the diagnosis, treatment and management of rheumatological conditions. Methods: We started with a scoping exercise followed by collaborative course curriculum development, co-delivered training course facilitated by both locally based rheumatologists and international faculty members. Evaluation data gathered from application forms, participant feedback forms and multiple-choice tests completed at the beginning and end of training and the test scores compared to evaluate a change in knowledge. Results: A 4-day clinical training course developed and delivered to twenty medical professionals based across Ghana. Test scores suggest a 15.83% increase in clinical knowledge. Conclusions: The training model with the curriculum design and delivery teams drawing expertise from both locally based rheumatologists and internationally based faculty has guaranteed both world-class approach and content while ensuring contextual relevance. The inclusion of leadership and Training of Trainer (ToT) elements into the model of training has maximised reach and increased teaching capacity. The programme has been well-received by participating medical professionals and faculty and has been demonstrated to be effective within this multinational programme and the methodology may be applicable to similar needs in other countries.Key Points• The growing burden of musculoskeletal disease in West Africa means that strengthening capacity in the specialty of rheumatology is more important than ever.• A pilot workshop to strengthen capacity in rheumatology care in Ghana with the curriculum design and delivery teams drawing expertise from both the UK and West Africa has guaranteed both world-class approach and content while ensuring contextual relevance.• The programme has been well-received by participating medical professionals and faculty and may be applicable to similar needs in other countries across sub-Saharan Africa.