Use of mobile phones for rehabilitative services among prosthetics users in rural Acholi sub-region of northern Uganda: findings from a qualitative study.

Background: Digital technologies such as mobile phones have shown potential as vital tools for use in healthcare and related services. However, little has been done to explore its use for prosthetics rehabilitative services, especially in the Acholi sub-region of northern Uganda. We address this gap by exploring ownership of the mobile phone, knowledge of the use of mobile phone applications, use of mobile phones for prosthetics rehabilitative services and challenges faced in using the mobile phones.

A multicountry health partnership programme to establish sustainable trauma training in east, central, and southern African countries using a cascading trauma management course model.

Background: Injury accounts for 267 000 deaths annually in the nine College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA-ASESA) countries, and the introduction of a sustainable standardised trauma training programme across all cadres is essential. We have delivered a primary trauma care (PTC) programme that encompasses both a "provider" and "training the trainers" course using a "cascading training model" across nine COSECSA countries. The first "primary course" in each country is delivered by a team of UK instructors, followed by "cascading courses" to more rural regions led by newly qualified local instructors, with mentorship provided by UK instructors.

Efficacy and acceptability of an acute illness management course delivered to staff and students in Uganda by staff from the UK.

Background: Recent reviews report that healthcare professionals have limited training in managing acutely ill patients and that significant gains could be made in low-income countries by focussing on care of the critically ill. We aimed to determine if a UK-developed acute illness management course (AIM) was acceptable to staff and students in a low-income country and if it improved their knowledge.

Methods: A total of 188 students and staff attended one of 8 one-day courses teaching a systematic approach to the recognition, assessment and management of acutely ill patients.