EDITION III
Annual Newsletter
September 2024
BRIDGE-U: Applying Research for a Healthy Liberia (BRIDGE-U: Liberia) is a $15 million, five-year partnership (2021-2026) between the USAID Innovation, Technology, and Research Hub’s Research Division, University of Liberia College of Health Sciences (ULCHS), Yale University, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. BRIDGE-U: Liberia is helping to advance ULCHS as a globally-recognized leader in research utilization, meaningfully connecting academics with policymaking, innovation, and clinical practice through ULCHS's Center for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation (CTLI).
University of Liberia College of Health Sciences
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Revolutionizing Data Management at ULCHS through Collaborative Learning and Adaptation
Since 2018, the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences (ULCHS) has steadily expanded its academic offerings, adding Public Health and Midwifery programs to the Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy. With this growth came the realization of a pressing need for robust data management systems to support the college's burgeoning research and administrative demands.
By 2020, the College embarked on building stronger fiduciary systems to handle grants such as BRIDGE-U: Liberia amongst others, but soon found managing both data and administrative records through outdated paper-based methods was no longer sufficient.
(ULCHS Data System Team) from left front: Susan T. Kleeme-MEL Officer,
Julateh K. Mulbah-Data Systems Coordinator, Ernest M. Kiazolu, Jr.-Data Systems Director, David O.T. Lamah-MEL Coordinator & Sidney Williams-MEL Officer
The BRIDGE-U: Liberia Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team was repositioned in 2023 as an institutional Data Systems department for ULCHS. The , recognized Monitoring, evaluation, and learning was impossible without a system and the buy-in of college staff and professors who, over the years, had mastered paper-based teaching and weren’t tech-savvy. Eighty percent of the program and project data was managed through paper-based collection and analyzed via Excel workbooks. The College, through its Data Systems Office and in partnership with Vanderbilt, adopted REDCap, a data management system, in July 2022. The first project, ULCHS Faculty Data-Base, faced initial resistance from faculty, many of whom were not accustomed to digital systems and struggled with balancing teaching, clinical duties, and survey requests. However, after the MEL thoughtful and intentional reflection and engagement with faculty and staff the team adopted a new process of involving academic leadership, the MEL team made crucial adjustments, increasing faculty engagement through tailored support, frequent updates, and collaboration with department heads.
This approach paid off as faculty participation rose, and REDCap began to be applied in other areas of the college’s operations. The Human Resources department, struggling with manual timesheets and complex effort accounting, collaborated with the MEL team to launch the “Timesheet Project,” allowing for real-time data entry and analysis across the College. Despite initial challenges in securing staff participation, flexible training schedules and user-friendly guides eventually led to widespread adoption of the system. The success of the Timesheet Project opened the door for additional initiatives, including procurement tracking, experiential learning assessment, and financial request management. As ULCHS continues to embrace REDCap and refine its data management strategies, it is positioning itself as a 21st-century leader in higher education in Liberia, demonstrating that innovation and collaboration can revolutionize systems even in the most challenging environments.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT LABORATORY
Using High-Fidelity Simulators in a
Low-Income Country
(LIC) – Liberia
Author: George Monibah (Technologist - ELAB)
High-fidelity simulators like SimMan 3G play a key role in medical education and training worldwide, allowing medical professionals to practice clinical care scenarios, including IV fluid administration, airway management, and emergency response, in a controlled environment replicating real-life scenarios without risking patient safety. These simulators help enhance skills without risking patient safety.
In early July, after a routine simulation with the SimMan 3G, I noticed issues the next day: no visible chest rise, failed convulsions, pulse detection, RFID, and other system functions. Inspection showed no air leakage, and the utility tool
George Monibah, ELAB Technologist, conducted a session for Camp xSEL 2024 campers on the importance of simulation for health practitioners in Liberia.
tests also failed to pass after running further tests on these functions. With limited expertise in repairing high-fidelity simulators and an active warranty, I reached out to Laerdal tech support detailing the issues observed. After reviewing the problem and a previous work order, they confirmed the compressor in the right leg needed repair or replacement. Fortunately, with the warranty, we were able to get the leg replacement at no additional cost.
Out of curiosity, I decided to investigate further to understand why the compressor had stopped working abruptly on July 30, upon opening the leg I found out that the compressor was housed in a metallic cylinder. I discovered that there was a lot of corrosion either caused by the environment (as the simulator wasn’t tested for salt and our center is just a few feet away from the ocean) or the pressure within the cylinder, as I could see visible droplets of steam around on board as shown below:
Steam could be a contributing factor to moisture buildup in a humid environment, which can lead to the growth of mold, and corrosion and even cause short circuits that lead to feedback and malfunctioning of electronic components. This experience was immensely insightful, offering more than just a chance to troubleshoot and resolve the immediate issue with the SimMan 3G simulator. It provided a valuable opportunity to explore the intricate technical workings of the equipment. Now, to address the problem, I accessed the right leg of the simulator, which houses the compressor. Carefully opening this compartment allowed me to expose the compressor and its various components. During this process, I undertook a thorough cleaning of the housing and the circuit board inside. This involved removing any non-conductive substances that could impair functionality and identifying and replacing any faulty components that might have contributed to the issue.
In addition to resolving the specific problems encountered, this hands-on experience highlighted the importance of maintaining and operating the simulator correctly to avoid similar issues in the future due to the frequency of use. Based on the insights gained, I recommend limiting the usage of the simulator to no more than one hour per day if in cases where you must exceed one hour, there will be a need for an external compressor to complement the internal one. This precaution helps to ensure the longevity of the equipment and prevent excessive wear and tear, thereby preserving its functionality and accuracy for future use. This experience gives me a firsthand look at the impact of the environment, pressure, and heat within an enclosed housing on electronic components, and how these factors can contribute to corrosion and moisture build-up over a long period that can affect the performance of these components. The situation improves my problem-solving skills, reinforcing the importance of preventative maintenance and thorough inspections. Moreover, this practical application of my profession as an electronic engineer boosted my confidence in handling these issues independently. Solving this problem not only addressed the immediate issue but also deepened my technical understanding of the SimMan 3G compressor mechanisms, better preparing me for future challenges when faced with similar situations.
The launch of the Simulation Program has been enthusiastically received by residents and faculty alike. Research supports the value of simulation training, as it allows residents to practice and perfect essential clinical skills with precision before facing real-life scenarios. The program approach provides a significant boost to the residency programs, ensuring that trainees are well-prepared for the complexities of clinical practice. ELAB has already made a significant impact through its Pre-service Training
Liberia Experiential Learning and Assessment Lab (ELAB) Launches Simulation Program for Medical Residents
Authors: Dr. Hawa Koon & Isaac Dolo
The Experiential Learning and Assessment Lab (ELAB) at ULCHS has introduced a groundbreaking Simulation Program for residents in collaboration with the Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons and the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFKMC). This program integrates simulation-based training into postgraduate residency programs, including pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics, and surgery, with plans to expand to additional specialties.
Hawa Sonii Koon, CTLI Deputy Director at ELAB, during a simulation session she conducted for A. M Dogliotti medical students.
Program for medical students and TNIMA learners, offering 180 simulation sessions to 198 students and training 49 faculty members. The lab’s goal, "Advancing Healthcare Education through Cutting-edge Clinical Simulation," is well underway, and ELAB is committed to building a highly competent healthcare workforce in Liberia.
Over the past two years, ELAB has provided invaluable training for students at the A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine and TNIMA, receiving positive feedback for the quality and effectiveness of its simulation-based education. As the lab continues to expand, its contribution to medical education in Liberia is expected to grow even further, enhancing the skills and confidence of future healthcare professionals.
MEL
Spotlight
ELAB Program Enhancing Healthcare Education in Liberia (May - December 2023)
Author: Julateh Mulbah - Coordinator, ULCHS Data Systems
ELAB program has been making significant strides in enhancing healthcare education in Liberia throughout 2023. The program, which integrates cutting-edge technology, immersive simulation techniques, and scenario-based learning, has transformed training for both facilitators and learners at the University of Liberia's A.M. Dogliotti School of Medicine and TNIMA departments of Physician Assistants, Nursing, and Midwifery.
From May to December 2023, ELAB gathered valuable feedback from 35 facilitators and 22 learners, demonstrating the program's innovative approach to healthcare education.
The ELAB program has garnered praise from facilitators, particularly for its focus on hands-on, scenario-based learning. According to feedback collected between May and October 2023, 91% of ELAB’s training sessions featured realistic medical scenarios, while 94% involved high-fidelity manikins, allowing facilitators to simulate real-world critical care environments.
In addition, the program is advancing gender equality in healthcare education, with 57% of the 35 facilitators being women.
Facilitators have expressed satisfaction with ELAB's approach, noting that the immersive technology has significantly improved their teaching methods. Despite occasional technical issues, the program's quick-response technical support ensured that training continued without major interruptions. Learners reported that the use of high-fidelity manikins enabled them to apply theoretical knowledge in a realistic setting, boosting their confidence in handling complex medical cases. The hands-on approach provided by ELAB has been crucial in bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world medical practice. As ELAB looks to the future, there are opportunities for the program to expand its training methodologies. The introduction of standardized patients and task trainers could further diversify the learning experience for medical students.
Nursing and Midwifery students during a simulation training workshop conducted by the ELAB.
Excellence in Science Education for Liberia - Camp xSEL
Every year, July 29th, 30th, and August 29th have witnessed a wave of emotions overwhelming the campuses hosting Liberia’s biggest and most anticipated event in science education—Camp xSEL. As campers from the country’s fifteen counties arrive, the air fills with smiles, laughter, and countless hugs. Departures are marked by many teary moments, often leaving camp staff and campers with watery eyes. These moments, brimming with joy, excitement, and a touch of sadness, embody the essence of Camp xSEL: a place where campers, instructors, and staff come together, united by the shared dream of shaping Liberia’s future. Here, young minds aspire to become the next generation of highly trained midwives, doctors, nurses, microbiologists, and much more.
Author: Jani Kollie, Communication Director
Smiles, Laughter, Hugs, and Tears:
The Heartbeat of
Camp xSEL
The anticipation of arrival is palpable. "Camp xSEL has started!" the campers chant, their voices echoing across the campus. "Young scholars are arriving! We come from every region; some rode, and [in past years] some flew in. We are perfectly contented, that’s why we are dancing!" This song of hope and unity underscores their excitement for the month ahead—a month that promises not only academic enlightenment but also the forging of new friendships and unbreakable bonds.
As my team and I capture these moments, I find myself filled with hope and joy for my country. I see in these campers the wonderful future being built for Liberia, and my love for this land is renewed. This year, as Camp xSEL 2024 unfolds, my team at BRIDGE-U: Liberia Communications has grown from a humble two-person crew to a dynamic five-member force. We meticulously planned how we would capture the camp's activities, create
Campers from Montserrado Camp 2024 collaborate on a physics experiment during their lab session.
daily routines, and manage social media posts. But nothing truly prepares you for the magic of Camp xSEL. Here, science campers reveal extraordinary artistic talents, and despite the varying ages of the campers, each discussion crackles with enthusiasm. Their eagerness to learn and their sparkling curiosity are infectious, a testament to the boundless potential of Liberia.
These campers, hailing from diverse regions, are living proof that Liberia is a land of immense promise. Despite the challenges of unequal resource allocation and limited exposure in rural counties, they shine brightly, filled with hope and determination. We have witnessed fierce academic competitions—debates and quizzes—where the performances of both male and female campers are nothing short of extraordinary. In Maryland, for instance, the female campers have consistently outshone their male counterparts, demonstrating a powerful and inspiring strength. Class participation at both the Montserrado and Maryland camps has been invaluable, sparking thought-provoking discussions that probe for clarity and truth, embodying the true spirit of scientific inquiry. These campers arrive with their A-game, ready to challenge themselves and each other.
