TPA is actively supporting improvements in the health and wellbeing of children and young people through engagement with the paediatric doctors, nurses and allied health professionals who care for them. Its focus is effective clinical discussion, teaching and sharing latest evidence-based guidelines. This in turn gives impetus to the strengthening of health systems.
Children and young people and their families are ultimately the beneficiaries of our support. The numerous stories of direct benefit for patients are beyond the scope of this report.
There is always affirmation of what is being achieved by our esteemed colleagues who face the very challenging circumstances of managing children with complex medical problems in low-resource settings.
All benefit from the discussions:
- our international colleagues are empowered and encouraged
- contributing Australian experts appreciate the broadening of their knowledge, understanding and experience
- children and young people have enhanced health outcomes and have a brighter future
How We Deliver
Regular Zoom meetings connect paediatric colleagues from the Indo-Pacific region with Australian subspecialist counterparts to provide clinical teaching to assist in the management of children with complex medical problems. Colleagues from international locations have their country priorities are addressed: they present relevant cases for discussion and guidance or ask for updates according to their needs.
Scheduled discussions cover the broad range of paediatric subspecialties from neonates to adolescents focusing on sharing new knowledge. An example was during the pandemic, where additional sessions provided much needed support for the many challenges of Covid-19 management.
These telehealth meetings via Zoom are high impact, low cost, low risk, can reach throughout each country and have a minimal carbon footprint.
Of special importance is TPA’s ongoing support for paediatric oncology patients in the Solomon Islands, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Dr Luciano Dalla-Pozza from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Dr Steve Lumasa and his Honiara colleagues. This has given impetus to the development of a paediatric oncology service in the Solomon Islands. Page 10
International sessions by countries until 19th October 2022 Countries | Sessions |
Solomon Islands + Tonga 2021; Kiribati & Samoa (Aug 2021); Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji (Oct 2021) | 139 |
Vanuatu + Tonga 2021; Kiribati & Samoa (Aug 2021); Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji (Oct 2021) | 111 |
Joint sessions with all South Pacific Countries | 13 |
Cambodia | 93 |
Bangladesh | 21 |
Mongolia | 8 |
Nurse led sessions | 80 |
Physiotherapy led sessions | 11 |
South Pacific Paediatric Journal Club including Surgical Discussion group | 10 |
Half-Day Virtual Conference May 2022: guest speakers & cases from countries | 4 hours |
TOTAL 483 sessions | 486 hours |