Using quality improvement methods in a humanitarian setting; an example from NW Syria

Date:

Mon, 29 May 2023

Time:

11 am-12pm [Singapore [GMT +8]

Location:

Tutorial Room 3, Level 9
Tahir Foundation Building (MD1)
National University of Singapore
12 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117549

Details:

You are cordially invited to the ON-SITE SSHSPH Staff Research Round. We look forward to your attendance and we hope for an interesting discussion.

Refreshments will be provided at 10.30am, do drop by to hang out for a bit before the session starts.

We will also be having a Lucky Draw at the end of the session, register yourself and stand a chance to win a special prize!

*Only Attendees will be included in the Lucky draw*

Abstract:

Quality Assurance or Quality Improvement methods are commonly associated with improving health care in stable situations. It is becoming clear that many of our humanitarian efforts are not achieving the desired goals because of poor quality. In this presentation the example will be used of applying quality improvement methods for haemodialysis services in a conflict affected situation in NW Syria. The tragic earthquake in the region has slowed the final parts of the project, but the approach and methodologies will be discussed, as well as the anticipated outcomes.

Speakers:

Prof Gilbert Burnham
Professor – Emeritus, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA

Professor Burnham received his MD from Loma Linda University (California) an MSc and PhD from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. For 15 years he managed hospital and community health services in rural Africa and played a role in establishing control for onchocerciasis (River Blindness) and lymphatic filariasis (Elephantiasis).

After joining the faculty of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, he established the first academic centre for the training and application of public health in disasters and conflict. Much of his work has been in conflict and post conflict situations, or disaster events. Among the countries where his research and projects have been carried out include Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, South Ossetia, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Sierra Leone, Bangladesh, Liberia, Uganda and Haiti.

Dr.Burnham commonly works with NGOs, and local Civil Society Organizations. A particular interest is the collaboration between these organizations to pursue operational research activities which will produce new methods or approaches which will strengthen care for affected populations. He has worked with NGOs, governments and universities to develop curricula for training in humanitarian emergencies and developing research programs addressing the needs of populations in conflict. Extensive collaboration has been carried out with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

He has conducted many evaluations for WHO, the Red Cross, UNICEF, USAID and others. He is an author on 191 peer-reviewed publications, predominantly dealing with populations affected by conflict. He has been a regular course instructor at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health in disaster public health for more than 20 years.