The Institute of Health Sciences in Gaborone is
partnering with the African Palliative Care Association (APCA) in Uganda to strengthen its capacity to provide quality palliative care education and training for pre-service and post-basic students.
Partners are focusing on faculty development in topics related to palliative care. They are also working to
introduce palliative care into the Institute’s existing
pharmacy technology, health education, and dental
therapy programs, as well as to develop organizational capacity in the areas of planning, research, and
monitoring and evaluation.
Partners conducted sensitization workshops for faculty and staff at the Institute’s eight campuses, along with members of the local community. The workshops
introduced the concept of palliative care with a particular focus on current advances in the field in Botswana to ensure that future activities are in keeping with national guidelines.
Partners also conducted two palliative care workshops for faculty, staff, and other interested parties that focused
on an introducing hospice and palliative care concepts.
In addition, they conducted two workshops on organizational development for faculty and staff at the Institute. Topics covered during these trainings included the
development and implementation of a policy and
procedure framework, and monitoring, evaluation,
and reporting.
Another important accomplishment of this partnership is the integration of clinical skill-building placements or
internships into the curriculum. These internships give students hands on experience in the provision of palliative care and allows them to build relationships with local hospices and other care providers.
Most recently, partners have been focusing on faculty development in topics related to palliative care. They are also working to introduce
palliative care into the Institute’s existing pharmacy technology, health education, and dental therapy programs, as well as to develop organizational capacity in the areas of planning, research, and monitoring and evaluation.
Partners have successfully incorporated palliative care into teaching programs and curriculum; conducted sensitization workshops with principals of all seven IHS Health Teaching Institutes outside of the main campus in Gaborone, as well as with community partners such as local hospices and hospitals; and established a modern palliative care resource center in the library at IHS-Gaborone including laptops, journals, and palliative care reference books.
Updated November 14, 2011
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