The Addis Ababa toxicology curriculum
project: educational needs assessment
for the toxicology modules of an emergency
medicine training program

The Addis Ababa toxicology curriculum
project: educational needs assessment
for the toxicology modules of an emergency
medicine training program

Toxicology, Emergency medicine training, Curriculum, Sub-specialty

Abstract
Background The Toronto Addis Ababa Academic Collaboration in Emergency Medicine (TAAAC-EM) is a
bi-institutional partnership between the University of Toronto (UofT) and Addis Ababa University (AAU) focused on
addressing the need for emergency medicine (EM) postgraduate training and care in Ethiopia. Toxicology is a key
competency in EM. EM physicians are often the first and sole clinicians to identify and treat patients presenting with
a wide range of intoxications. The goal of this project was to conduct an educational needs assessment to inform the
development of a context-specific toxicology curriculum for the AAU EM training program.
Methods Our needs assessment employed a survey (available electronically and in paper format) and face-to-face
interviews conducted with Ethiopian EM faculty (all graduates of the AAU EM residency training program) and current
AAU EM residents. The survey was distributed in October 2018 and the interviews were conducted in November 2018.
Results Of the 63 surveys distributed, we received 17 complete responses and completed 11 interviews with AAU
EM faculty and residents. The survey conducted on toxicology training highlighted overall satisfaction with current
training, with thematic analysis revealing key areas for growth. System-related themes focused on resource availability,
healthcare access, and public health education. Provider-related themes emphasized the need for context-specific
training, including common local toxins, and for advanced toxicology training such as poison center rotations.
Patient-related themes centered on specific toxicological presentations in Ethiopia, highlighting the importance of
public health advocacy, education on safe handling, and governmental regulation of toxic substances. Both survey
and interview data highlighted challenges stemming from inconsistent availability of resources and underscored the
need for tailored education to manage poisoned patients with locally available resources.
Conclusions Our findings indicate the need to focus on the most prevalent local toxicological presentations and
practical management challenges in local contexts, including resource limitations and delayed presentations.
Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of public health initiatives such as regulation of the sale and promotion of

Anna Nowacki1,2,5,8*, Sofia Kebede3,5, Margaret Thompson1,4, Alexandra McKnight5

, Aklilu Azazh3,5 and Lisa M

Puchalski Ritchie1,2,6,7

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-024-00696-0

2024

Peri Irawan

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