EWH delivers training on neonatal technology in Honduras

The fifth of twelve two-week BMET continuing education sessions in Honduras concluded Friday, November 18, with 16 biomedical equipment technicians successfully completing the coursework and exams and receiving their certificates. The theme of the training session was neonatal technology, and the session was made possible due to the support of the GE Foundation. Three INFOP instructors in electronics also participated in the program in preparation for becoming the academic faculty of the new academic department in the biomedical field being formed at INFOP.

Guest instructor Ron Morey joined us from Food for the Hungry in Saskatoon, Canada. He was instrumental in providing training to the technicians over two weeks and over 20 hours of instruction time from Monday, November 7 to Friday, November 18. He provided the students with training on three types of medical devices: infant incubators, infant warmers, and bililights. His interactive training included lectures on the basic principles and theory of operation, followed by in-depth hands-on training on the devices at Hospital San Felipe in Tegucigalpa.

In addition to specific training on medical equipment for treating neonates, a comprehensive curriculum prepared by Duke University included courses in math, healthcare technology management (HTM), English and physiology. Math and HTM courses were taught by Justin Cooper, EWH’s BMET Manager for Honduras, with advanced computer and calculation skills. English courses were taught by Carlos Salmedon of INFOP and Milton Axcel Cruz of EWH. This included technical vocabulary specific to neonatal equipment and lessons in the interpretation of medical equipment manuals and other technical writing. The physiology courses were taught by Dr. Carlos Enriquez, a doctor on the faculty of the medical school at the Honduran National University who practices in Tegucigalpa. Instruction was given on neonatal development and the integumentary system, two topics related to the theme of infant incubators and phototherapy units.

The participants in the EWH BMET Continuing Education program are currently working in public hospitals throughout Honduras. They were satisfied with the instruction and are looking forward to returning to the next training session to be held in February 2012.