A guest blog post from MDT colleagues from regional hospitals in Tamale and Ho who spent the week learning about stroke care at KBTH Stroke Unit
Introduction
On Sunday, April 14th 2024, our team arrived in Accra eager to learn from the renowned stroke unit at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). The participants were Julius (Nurse) and Ramous (Physiotherapist) from Ho Teaching Hospital, as well as Farouk (Nurse) and Mensah (Physiotherapist) from Tamale Teaching Hospital.
Warm Welcome and Team Introductions
We were warmly welcome to the stroke unit on Monday. Their warm smiles and genuine hospitality immediately put us at ease. We got to meet several team members; Prof Akpalu, Dr Nkromah, DDNS Monica, Mr Maxwell, Ms Cynthia, Ms Getrude and many others.
Insights into Stroke Care
DDNS Monica kickstarted our journey with an enlightening lecture. She delved into the intricacies of stroke—its types, deficits, and potential complications. She then introduced us to the core skills essential for stroke care:
Swallowing: Understanding the physiology of swallowing and assessing it in stroke patients.
Positioning: The art of placing patients optimally for comfort and function.
Communication: Bridging gaps through effective communication.
Functional Independence: Empowering patients to regain autonomy.
Continence: Managing bladder and bowel function.
Mood: Addressing emotional well-being.
Stroke Prevention: Equipping patients with knowledge.
Discharge Planning: Ensuring a smooth transition back home.
Swallowing Assessment and Feeding
DDNS Monica and Mr. Maxwell provided in-depth training on swallowing physiology and swallowing assessment for stroke patients. It helped us understand how a seemingly simple act could impact a stroke survivor’s quality of life.
On Tuesday 16th April, 2024 we had practical demonstrations on swallowing assessments, positioning a patient for feeding, and feeding via NG tubes.
Leadership Insights
Also on Tuesday, we shifted gears. Dr Nkromah gave us a lecture on leadership, where we got to know the difference between a leader and a manager. We learned that leaders inspire, innovate, and envision change. Managers, on the other hand, focus on processes and stability. Our takeaway? Effective stroke care demands both leadership and management skills.
Leadership lecture
Ward Rounds and the MDT
Wednesday dawned, and we joined the general ward rounds. Each multidisciplinary team member contributed—doctors, nurses, therapists—all working in harmony. Seeing this holistic approach to care first-hand was invaluable.
Positioning Stroke Patients
Later on, Wednesday, Mr. Abdul Kahad, physiotherapist took us through the very important role positioning plays in the recovery of stroke patients, especially at the acute stage. We grasped the rationale behind every adjustment, realizing that small shifts could yield significant gains.
On Thursday the 18th April, Ms. Cynthia, another amazing physiotherapist, then led practical sessions on both positioning and transferring patients. It helped us in understanding how position changes and proper positioning do have a great impact on a stroke patient’s recovery.
Zoom Connections
Virtual meetings on Tuesday the 16th April and Thursday the 18th April, 2024 connected team members in Ghana and the UK. We shared experiences and learned about upcoming training plans for the coming weeks and months.
Another Meeting with DDNS Monica
DDNS Monica walked us through the stroke unit’s daily workflow, providing essential insights for operationalizing a stroke unit. Details such as feeding times, bathing schedules, and positioning changes were crucial for our understanding.
Tools of the Trade
Our teams received laptops, wireless mice, and Wi-Fi dongles to help in participating in the online lectures that will be coming on in the weeks and months ahead.
Comfort and Gratitude
Beyond the workshop, we found comfort in a good hotel and well-prepared meals. The Korle-Bu Stroke Unit’s meticulous organization impressed us. They followed protocols religiously, proving that excellence transcends resource constraints.
Key Lessons and Future Impact
Resourcefulness is Key: Even with limited resources, a highly effective stroke unit can be established.
Organization is Paramount: Strict adherence to protocols is crucial for optimal patient care.
Collaboration is Power: A multidisciplinary team approach leads to better patient outcomes.
As we bid farewell to Accra, our hearts brimmed with gratitude. We carry these lessons, these connections, back to our institutions. Our stroke unit dreams are no longer distant—they’re within reach.
With gratitude,
Julius, Ramous, Mensah, and Farouk
Ho Teaching Hospital & Tamale Teaching Hospital Teams
Tamale Teaching Hospital Team
Ho Teaching Hospital Team
