Influence of training resources on non-physician anaesthetists trained at Kenya Medical Training Colleges in western Kenya

Abstract

The severe shortage of health workers in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to worsen beyond 2030 due to rapid population growth, limiting access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical care. Anaesthesia services are particularly affected, with only about two anaesthesiologists per 100,000 people, leading to surgical delays and restricted access. This study assessed the influence of training resources on non-physician anaesthetists trained at Kenya Medical Training colleges in western Kenya. The study utilized the theory of labour shortage. The study utilized a descriptive survey design where stratified random sampling was used to classify Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and three campuses. Purposive sampling was used to select the samples with the required information. Proportionate sampling was employed to select a sample size within the samples that would reflect the numerical strength of the samples selected, and finally, a simple random sampling technique was used to accord each member a chance of being selected, and each choice would be independent of any other choice. The target population for the study was 200 students, 25 hospital administrators, and 25 lecturers. The study used the Yamane method to arrive at a sample size of 143 students, 24 hospital administrators, and 28 lecturers. Correspondingly, a pilot study was carried out, and feedback obtained was used to correct research instruments that were afterwards used to collect data in the field. Data was collected through validated questionnaires for students and interviews from lecturers. Descriptive and inferential analysis was utilized to analyze data both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results show that lecturing was the most common delivery method (100%), followed by skills labs (97%) and self-directed learning (92%). All respondents had been trained in the core Non-Physician Anaesthesia Providers (NPAP) curriculum content, which was considered highly relevant to their roles; 97% reported comprehensive topic coverage, and 83% found the depth adequate for practice. Respondents who rated training methods as highly effective had an 88% reduction in the odds of low employability and were three times more likely to report high job satisfaction. Consistent use of multiple delivery methods was associated with a 95% lower likelihood of low employability. Readily available expert guidance reduced the odds of low employability by a factor of 13. Conversely, unaffordable training costs doubled the likelihood of low employability, while exposure to out-dated or irrelevant resources tripled it. The findings of this study will provide evidence-based insights that can guide the enhancement of training programs, promote competency development, and improve the overall quality of anaesthesia services across the region. The study recommends that KMTCs should invest in establishing and maintaining well-equipped simulation laboratories across all campuses offering anaesthesia training.