| dc.description.abstract |
Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing contributor to
morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. In response to regional workforce
and training gaps, Moi University (MU) in Kenya and Brown University (BU) in the
United States launched a collaborative nephrology education initiative in 2018
to strengthen clinical capacity in Western Kenya.
Methods: In 2019, stakeholder consultations identified key gaps in nephrology
education. Targeted interventions were implemented, and a follow-up survey
was conducted in 2023 among MU and BU participants to evaluate the
program’s impact.
Results: At baseline in 2019, only 9% of 45 surveyed clinicians reported
confidence in managing nephrology patients, and 26% had participated
in a nephrology education session in the previous 3 years. In response,
biweekly virtual case-based conferences were initiated for MU internal medicine
residents, who were later invited to join BU’s nephrology conferences and
journal clubs. A jointly led annual West Kenya Nephrology Conference began
in 2018, and since 2019, a senior BU nephrology faculty member has
provided annual on-site bedside teaching. By 2023, 96.6% of respondents
reported improved confidence in nephrology care. BU nephrology fellows
participating in the collaboration reported enhanced understanding of
kidney disease management in global contexts. Planned next steps include
community outreach, collaborative clinical and epidemiological research, and
the development of the first nephrology fellowship program in Western Kenya.
Conclusion: This collaboration demonstrates a sustainable model for
international nephrology education partnerships, with measurable benefits for
both institutions. The approach may serve as a blueprint for other programs
seeking to build global capacity in nephrology care and training. |
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