Research News Last updated 26 March
A pioneering research study into the rehabilitation of critical care patients has been launched by Birmingham City University (BCU) academics during a visit to Malawi this month.
Professor Joy Notter and Associate Professor Chris Carter also delivered training workshops and provided resuscitation training mannequins.
They are working closely with healthcare staff, policymakers and educators to strengthen nursing capacity and develop specialist skills in the south-east African country.
The visit, delivered in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), builds on established collaborations with the National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives in Malawi (NONM), the Ministry of Health and Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), supporting the continued advancement of nursing education and practice across the country.
BCU’s Associate Professor Chris Carter said: “During this visit we have had the opportunity to meet with nurses from the bedside to boardroom and have so much respect for the work they are doing.
“It has been a pleasure working with NONM and the RCN to expand our partnership within Malawi and seeing the role of professional organisations in action.”
Over the last five years, critical care services in Malawi have been advancing, with a growing specialist workforce, greater access to healthcare, and improved outcomes.
Dr Chifundo Colleta Zimba, Executive Director of the NONM said: “We celebrate the impactful support provided through the capacity building of our journal’s board members and the provision of life-saving materials such as resuscitation mannequins and blook pressure machines to Kamuzu Central Hospital.
“Our recent engagements with nursing leaders across Malawi have provided invaluable insights that will undoubtedly strengthen this partnership and advance nursing excellence across Malawi.”
One of the ongoing research partnership projects is a study, titled ‘Beyond Critical Care: Exploring Healthcare Professionals perceptions of the needs of Critical Care Survivors in Malawi’. It will see BCU researchers will work with experts from the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and KUHeS in Malawi, as well as the RCN.
The study will use a traditional African philosophy called Ubuntu to guide researchers. The concept emphasises shared humanity, interconnectedness and collective care.
It also recognises that health and wellbeing are shaped not only by clinical treatment, but by relationships, community and lived experience.
“This will enable healthcare workers to explain the complex rehabilitation needs they see, and also suggest new ways to enhance recovery,” Professor Notter said.
“We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to extend our links in Malawi and work with NONM and the RCN to advance nursing there.”
Representatives from the RCN also visited Malawi, including Elsa Afonso, Head of International Academy: “This week in Malawi has been an opportunity to set the foundations for our new collaboration with BCU.
“We are in awe of what they have achieved and of the impact they are having on the health of their community.
“This is an equal partnership for us, and we are looking forward to learning as much with our Malawian colleagues as we must share. We are all global nurses.”
Photo: Front Row (L-R) Associate Professor Chris Carter, Mrs Emily Gama (Deputy Director of Nursing and Midwifery), Professor Joy Notter, Mrs Lucy Mkutumula (Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services). Back Row: (L-R) Marcus Wootton (International Academy Associate Director, RCN), Elsa Afonso (Head of International Academy, RCN), Dr Chifundo Zimba (Executive Director, NONM), Mr Shouts Simeza (President, NONM) and Sala Khulumula (Malawi UK Nurses Association)