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. 2022 Dec 29:12:04078.
doi: 10.7189/jogh.12.04078.

Paediatric trauma education in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic literature review

Jane A Rivas  1 , Joseph Bartoletti  2 , Sarah Benett  3 , Yukino Strong  4 , Thomas E Novotny  5 , Megan L Schultz  1
Affiliations

Paediatric trauma education in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic literature review

Jane A Rivas et al. J Glob Health. .

Abstract

Background: Trauma-specific training improves clinician comfort and reduces patient morbidity and mortality; however, curricular content, especially with regard to paediatric trauma, varies greatly by region and income status. We sought to understand how much paediatric education is included in trauma curricula taught in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review in October 2020 and in July 2022 based on PRISMA guidelines, utilizing seven databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Reviews, Cochrane Trials, and Global Index Medicus. Reports were limited to those from World Bank-designated LMICs. Key information reviewed included use of a trauma curriculum, patient-related outcomes, and provider/participant outcomes.

Results: The search yielded 2008 reports, with 987 included for initial screening. Thirty-nine of these were selected for review based on inclusion criteria. Sixteen unique trauma curricula used in LMICs were identified, with only two being specific to paediatric trauma. Seven of the adult-focused trauma programmes included sections on paediatric trauma. Curricular content varied significantly in educational topics and skills assessed. Among the 39 included curricula, 33 were evaluated based on provider-based outcomes and six on patient-based outcomes. All provider-based outcome reports showed increased knowledge acquisition and comfort. Four of the five patient-based outcome reports showed reduction in trauma-related morbidity and mortality.

Conclusion: Trauma curricula in LMICs positively impact provider knowledge and may decrease trauma-related morbidity and mortality; however, there is significant variability in existing trauma curricula regarding to paediatric-specific content. Trauma education in LMICs should expand paediatric-specific education, as this population appears to be underserved by most existing curricula.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure of interest: The authors completed the ICMJE Disclosure of Interest Form (available upon request from the corresponding author) and declare the following activities and relationships: Thomas Novotny, MD, MPH declares the following activities and relationships: research and funding through the California Department of Public Health, the World Health Organization, the University of California Tobacco-related Disease Research Program, the United States Food and Drug Administration consulting, World Scientific Publishers, the San Francisco Estuary Institute, the University of San Francisco School of Medicine, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and he is the current CEO of Cigarette Butt Pollution Project.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA diagram for the paediatric trauma literature review.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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