Increasing Diagnostic Capabilities in Africa

ASAP member Dr. Richard Byers continues his project in Kenya and Zambia funded by the British Division of the International Academy of Pathology. The project compares two eLearning platforms for training pathologists in haematopathology. One is a blend of eLearning (self-directed) teaching modules combined with interactive live sessions delivered remotely through the Zoom platform provided by the College of Pathologists of East, Central and Southern Africa (COPECSA) and linked to the platform through African Strategies for Advancing Pathology. The other is an eLearning course administered on the Canvas LMS (self-directed only). The modules are open to both senior residents as well as practicing pathologists at Aga Kahn University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya and University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia. COPECSA is a regional CME provider for Pathology activities and will be involved in the logistics through dissemination of the results of activity to all Pathology Associations within sub-Saharan Africa and distribution of feedback forms to participants which can be collated and analysed with the support of ASAP.

Key deliverables and measures of success include: Preparation of course materials for both Canvas LMS and the Zoom ECHO eLearning platforms; participant knowledge of haematopathological cancers at baseline and after course completion; participant feedback on the two delivery platforms; strong qualitative evidence of participant engagement and enjoyment of the blended course; strong qualitative evidence of instructor acceptance and support for the blended approach; feasible resources for large-scale expansion; more than 80% of senior residents and pathologists accessing e-component of Zoom course; and a 50% improvement in knowledge of senior residents and pathologists from baseline level.

The main update for this report is that the draft manuscript has been accepted for publication. This manuscript describes the project and results in more detail. GlobalGiving members can access the publication at the following: Byers RJ, Byers A, Muma C, Singer Rupp JK, Wilson M, Fleming K, Sayed S. Development of an online teaching platform to improve access to postgraduate pathology training in Sub-Saharan Africa. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024 May 7:11. DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1390560.

ASAP member Dr. Richard Byers continues his project in Kenya and Zambia funded by the British Division of the International Academy of Pathology. The project compares two eLearning platforms for training pathologists in haematopathology. One is a blend of eLearning (self-directed) teaching modules combined with interactive live sessions delivered remotely through the Zoom platform provided by the College of Pathologists of East, Central and Southern Africa (COPECSA) and linked to the platform through African Strategies for Advancing Pathology. The other is an eLearning course administered on the Canvas LMS (self-directed only). The modules are open to both senior residents as well as practicing pathologists at Aga Kahn University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya and University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia. COPECSA is a regional CME provider for Pathology activities and will be involved in the logistics through dissemination of the results of activity to all Pathology Associations within sub-Saharan Africa and distribution of feedback forms to participants which can be collated and analysed with the support of ASAP.

Key deliverables and measures of success include: Preparation of course materials for both Canvas LMS and the Zoom ECHO eLearning platforms; participant knowledge of haematopathological cancers at baseline and after course completion; participant feedback on the two delivery platforms; strong qualitative evidence of participant engagement and enjoyment of the blended course; strong qualitative evidence of instructor acceptance and support for the blended approach; feasible resources for large-scale expansion; more than 80% of senior residents and pathologists accessing e-component of Zoom course; and a 50% improvement in knowledge of senior residents and pathologists from baseline level.

The main update for this report is that the draft manuscript has been submitted and accepted for publication. This manuscript describes the project and results in more detail. Once it has been published (it is now in press) we will share information for GlobalGiving members to access the publication.