ARNA-KThe 10th Annual KRNA Conference: Advancing Quality Anesthesia for Nurse Anesthetists
Discover the highlights of the monumental 10th Annual KRNA Conference hosted in Meru County, Kenya. As the inaugural conference organized by the recently established Association of Nurse Anesthetists-Kenya (ARNA-K), this event surpassed all expectations, setting a new benchmark for nurse anesthetists’ professional development in the country
.Over three days, we welcomed a record-breaking attendance of more than 129 participants, with nurse anesthetists comprising an impressive 71% of the delegates. Joining them were anesthesia assistants, anesthesiologists, and perioperative nurses, contributing to a diverse and vibrant gathering. In addition to the Kenyans from 34 counties, the event welcomed international delegates from Zambia, South Sudan, and Tanzania. The conference revolved around the central theme of quality anesthesia, with a focus on patient safety. Attendees engaged in a comprehensive program consisting of enlightening lectures, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions, all geared towards enhancing their knowledge and refining their practice.
“Very
good presentations from knowledgeable and wise speakers”
Among the delegates, 43% were attending for the first time. It is gratifying to report that 87% of our returnees found this year’s conference even better than previous events. The conference received an impressive overall satisfaction score of over 92%, encompassing perception, relevance to practice, and the ability to stimulate interest in the subject matter. These outstanding results reflect the dedication and meticulous planning invested by ARNA-K and the organizing team.
Throughout the conference, attendees had the opportunity to voice their concerns, allowing the collective wisdom of nurse anesthetists to shape the profession. The most frequently mentioned challenges were related to the workforce, equipment, and the need for a fully functional PACU and ICU. Additional obstacles raised included drug stockouts, a slow supply of consumables, insufficient monitoring equipment for pediatric cases, and limited access to baseline patient investigations due to inadequate support from laboratory services. The consensus was that understaffing posed the most significant obstacle, compounded by a lack of trained PACU staff, knowledge gaps in post-operative care, and limited biomedical support for equipment repair and maintenance.
The 10th Annual KRNA Conference was a momentous occasion for nurse anesthetists in Kenya. Hosted by ARNA-K, this conference united professionals from various disciplines, elevating the standard of quality anesthesia while prioritizing patient safety. With an overwhelmingly positive response from delegates and an exceptional overall satisfaction rating, it is evident that this event propelled the nurse anesthetist community forward. The invaluable insights gained and challenges identified will serve as the foundation for future advancements in the field, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers across Kenya. This event forms a perfect launchpad for the 2024 Pan African Nurse Anesthetists Conference (PANAC), the first regional nurse anesthetist conference commissioned by the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists.
This event has been made possible with financial support from our partners African Mission Healthcare and Ethypharm.
“Be safe, do safe, stay safe.”
