Dr. Mrutu’s Research

Integrating Simulation into Non-Physician Anaesthesia Training in Tanzania

The goal of Dr. Mrutu’s research is to explore the impact on knowledge, skills, and clinical performance of integrating the Vital Anaesthesia Simulation Training (VAST) Foundation Year into non-physician anesthetist training in Tanzania. The study will use mixed methods to explore value-based simulation, moving from whether simulation is effective to whether it delivers meaningful value relative to cost, effort, and health system priorities. Comparison of the control and intervention groups will involve an examination of knowledge, skills, workplace performance, and perspectives. Data will be gathered on the required inputs (e.g., cost, trainee, and facilitator hours) to explore whether the measured outputs are worth the investment required. Demonstration of value for this curriculum may contribute to enhanced support and scale-up of use of the VAST Foundation Year for anesthesia capacity building in other low-resource settings.