Continuing medical education for healthcare professionals in neonatology and pediatrics in Ukraine in time of war

Abstract

Introduction. Continuing medical education (CME) of doctors and nurses using modern learning tools is the key to the quality and effectiveness of neonatal and pediatric care in Ukraine, especially given the extremely difficult challenges of wartime. The basic principles of CME of Ukrainian medical and pharmaceutical practitioners were approved by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 725 “Regulations on the System of Continuing Professional Development of Medical and Pharmaceutical Workers” dated July 14, 2021. Materials and methods. We would like to present the experience of the Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology and Perinatal Medicine of Bukovinian State Medical University (BSMU) in conducting of CME in neonatology and pediatrics for last three years of time of war in Ukraine. Results. Bukovinian State Medical University (BSMU) of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (Chernivtsi, Ukraine), according to the ranking criteria of the SciVerse Scopus database in 2023, is among the 10 best higher state medical educational institutions in Ukraine. In 2023, BSMU was ranked 2nd according to the Webometrics system. In the ranking of institutions with the highest inventive output based on the results of utility model patents, the university took a creditable 3rd place. The Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology and Perinatal Medicine of Bukovinian State Medical University (BSMU) (Head – Doctor of Medicine, Professor Nechytailo Y. M.) in conducting CME activities for medical staff providing neonatal and pediatric care in Ukraine. The Department hosts specialization and internship cycles in Neonatology and Pediatric Anesthesiology, as well as all kinds of professional seminars, workshops, simulation trainings and professional schools. The target group of the CME activities is neonatologists, pediatric anesthesiologists, pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, family medicine doctors, emergency medicine doctors, etc. The educational activity is carried out on the basis of the Training Center for Modern Technologies of Perinatal Medicine (headed by Doctor of Medicine, Professor Yuliya Hodovanets), the Center for Simulation Medicine and Innovative Technologies COSMIT of BSMU and clinical bases of the department. The training process involves the use of full-time and distance learning. The most favorite simulation courses are including the following trainings: Resuscitation and Post-Resuscitation Care for Newborns, Pediatric Basic Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PBLS, PALS), Pediatric Advanced Trauma Life Support (PATLS), Stop Bleeding Course, Medical Emergencies in Dental Practice, Difficult Airways in Neonatal and Pediatric Practice, Vascular Catheterization in Newborns and Children, Standard and aEEG in Newborns and Children, Therapeutic Hypothermia in Newborns, Basics of Ultrasound in Neonatology, etc. Based on the current educational requirements and the Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 2016 dated 10.11.2022, the Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology and Perinatal Medicine of BSMU has launched CME cycles for medical and pharmaceutical staff with higher, entry-level (short cycle) and first (bachelor’s) level of higher medical and pharmaceutical education and Masters in Nursing. Also, BSMU cooperates with the NGO “Ukrainian Medical Students Association” (UMSA). Conclusion. The CME of medical staff involved in the provision of care to neonatal and pediatric patients should be multifaceted and continuous, with the mandatory inclusion of simulation technologies to improve the quality of professional care. The regular training of medical staff to acquire and maintain practical skills, as well as to develop non-technical skills, including communication between team members and leadership, significantly improves the quality of medical care for newborns and children of post-neonatal age in practice.