The Objective
Over a year ago we started work with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists [ANZCA] in developing a project to upskill the health services in PNG in the safe and effective use of anaesthesia. Last November, Roger Thornton visited PNG with ANCZA to carry out a community needs assessment, a precursor to us applying for a Rotary Foundation Global Grant for a Vocational Training Team [VTT] to deliver the training.
The PNG Visit
The team identified two training programs which would address the chronic shortage of anaesthesia skills in PNG; a low cost Essential Pain Management [EPM] course to be delivered in multiple locations in the PNG Highlands, and a more costly Safer Anaesthesia From Education [SAFE] hands on training course to be delivered in urban settings.
The VTT Rules
Further planning showed EPM could be delivered by local health personnel requiring very limited input from Australian clinicians. This is inconsistent with a VTT which envisages transferring skills into a community where they do not exist or in short supply. So, whilst the EPM is a good plan, it won’t attract a Global Grant. In contrast the SAFE program calls for a skilled team from ANZCA to visit PNG for intensive hands on training including a “train the trainer” component. But it is costly at about $40k for each visit so we would be looking for $120k!!
Foundation Funding Changes
Meanwhile, TRF has changed its funding model for Global Grant funded projects. Where it once matched 50% of cash contributions from clubs and partner organisations like ANZCA and 100% of grants provided by District, it now only does the latter. And given that District Grants for international projects are limited to $10k, the maximum TRF contribution would be $20k, about half of what we had hoped for. If we are going to close the funding gap we would have to convince two other districts to join forces thus multiplying the TRF grant potential. Time to visit our sister clubs?
And then COVID
Then along came COVID 1.0 and now 2.0! With funding constraints and no international travel, this all looks a bit challenging. This has encouraged us to revisit the cheaper EPM option without a Global Grant possibly as a one year pilot funded by the club, District and ANZCA. If we can establish suitable governance it would be a good learning experience.
The full report is available through the following link: Full Report