Building on Success: The Impact of Mentorship and Technology in Tanzania

I'm thrilled to share exciting news about the continued success of our partnership with the International Society for Burn Injuries (ISBI). Our burn rehabilitation mentorship program in Tanzania is truly flourishing! 

A significant milestone was reached in August when mentors and mentees had the honor of presenting this project at the ISBI congress in Birmingham. This invaluable experience provided a unique opportunity to put research and presentation skills into practice alongside colleagues from around the world who are passionate about burn care. Sharing our experiences with this diverse group was incredibly inspiring. 

A training workshop conducted during the conference allowed PFP trainees turned trainers Ginna Parra (Occupational Therapist, Costa Rica) and Yinna Martinez (Occupational Therapist, Colombia) to share their expertise with mentees Epifania and Samson, on use of locally sourced leather strips for improved pressure garments, a treatment for scar management in burn rehabilitation. 

The in person and online training in the workshop allowed trainers and trainees to gain a better understanding of the importance of using local materials to increase access to treatments that might otherwise be unavailable to patients in low resource settings such as Tanzania, Costa Rica and Colombia. 

In collaboration with the non-profit organization Ohana One, we've integrated cutting-edge technology into our educational curriculum. Smart glasses are most typically used in the operating room for surgical training. However, our program is pioneering a new use for this technology by leveraging smart glasses to enhance burn rehabilitation mentorship.  

Our burn rehabilitation mentors based in New York and Georgia can now virtually observe and guide Tanzanian therapists in real-time using smart glasses. This approach significantly enhances the training experience for mentees and ultimately improves the quality of patient care. 

How it Works: 

Real-time Guidance:

Mentors can "see" patients alongside their mentees in Tanzania through the smart glasses, offering real-time guidance on techniques like splinting, wound care, and therapeutic exercises. This fosters hands-on learning and ensures that the latest evidence-based practices are being implemented. 

Video-Based Learning:

Alternatively, mentees can wear smart glasses during therapy sessions, recording the treatment on video and adding notes for review by mentors. This is especially useful when time zone differences make real-time participation challenging. This allows for detailed and specific feedback on the therapist's application of skills, identifying areas for improvement and celebrating successes. 

Impact on Patient Care: 

By enabling local therapists to hone higher-level care practices within a supported learning environment, we are fostering sustainable change. This translates to improved patient outcomes. Patients receive specialized burn care from skilled therapists who are constantly learning and growing. 

A Commitment to Excellence: 

This program exemplifies our commitment to excellence and innovation in burn care. By leveraging technology and cultivating strong mentor-mentee relationships, we are empowering local therapists and creating a lasting impact on the lives of burn survivors in Tanzania. 

Change is hard, but the reward – improved patient care and empowered healthcare professionals – is undeniably worth it!