Resuscitation Education and Acute Care Help (REACH)

Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare utilization for children worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. An audit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana reported 54% mortality for children presenting in septic shock, with the majority of deaths progression deemed “preventable” with simple, available, time-critical interventions like oxygen, fluids, antibiotics, and effective team management. The purpose of this project is to study implementation of a novel Annenberg “virtual” tele-simulation "low-or-no bandwidth" training platform system to train and support multidisciplinary healthcare providers in Ghana to rapidly recognize and effectively treat children presenting with shock. With collaboration across two Penn Schools, Institutions in Ghana (KNUST, KATH), and three disciplines (Center for Global Health, CHOP Anesthesiology/Critical Care, and Annenberg filmmakers and educators), we will pioneer and test a cost-efficient, scalable, educational methodology that could save many lives and decrease the burden of sepsis across vulnerable populations in Sub-Saharan Africa.