AUTHOR=Obisesan Aderonke O. , Seyi-Olajide Justina O. , Obi Nkeiruka (Nk) , Ameh Emmanuel A. 

TITLE=Implementation of Nigeria's national surgical plan: building basic life support capacity to strengthen safe surgical care

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2025.1644586

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2025.1644586

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=BackgroundIn many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Nigeria, the burden of surgical conditions significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality rates. Nigeria developed the National Surgical, Obstetrics, Anesthesia, and Nursing Plan (NSOANP) to address gaps in surgical care delivery and improve health outcomes. The success of this plan depends on the preparedness and capacity of healthcare workers, particularly in emergency scenarios. Basic Life Support (BLS) training is essential to improving emergency preparedness and health outcomes.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of 220 participants undergoing a BLS training programme deployed as part of implementation of Nigeria's NSOANP. Trainings were conducted at six locations representing Nigeria's geopolitical zones. Healthcare professionals, including nurses and physicians from specialized cleft care centers and public tertiary hospitals, participated. Post-training evaluations included multiple-choice and skills tests. A qualitative feedback survey assessed participants' self-perception of their skills.ResultsThe participants included 151 males (68.6%) and 69 females (31.4%). Most participants were specialist physicians (48.2%) and physician trainees (37.7%). All 220 participants passed the post-test written and skills assessments. Feedback indicated improved understanding of team dynamics and high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Key recommendations included providing manual defibrillators, incorporating pre-tests, retaining provider manuals, integrating BLS training into postgraduate curricula, and expanding training sessions.ConclusionIntegrating BLS training into the NSOANP implementation will improve emergency preparedness and competence among healthcare providers. This would potentially improve surgical outcomes. Participants' recommendations offer a roadmap for future improvements. Continued investment in BLS training is essential for building a responsive emergency healthcare system in Nigeria.