Hands-on healing: WTI expands global training to transform frontline care
What began as a pilot project has quickly become one of World Telehealth Initiative’s most impactful and highly requested programs. In 2024, WTI launched our hands on ultrasound training course in Ethiopia, Kenya and Bhutan. The 6-week course trained 30 clinicians across 3 hospitals on various ultrasound applications.
Proven Results and Growing Demand
The pilot proved highly effective, with clinicians demonstrating a 50% improvement in image quality, advancing from subclinical to clinically interpretable images. Participants also reported a 72% increase in confidence, supporting independent ultrasound use in patient care.
Following the program’s success, more partner hospitals have requested ultrasound training for their staff as demand grows. In Bhutan, the hospital found the course so valuable that they asked for an additional round of training for 10 more clinicians to spread ultrasound skills across more hospital staff. The second cohort in Bhutan is now wrapping up, while upcoming programs are planned in Guatemala and Togo in the coming months.
How it works
This six-to-eight-week live simulation course provides portable ultrasound probes that connect to WTI telehealth devices and corresponding hands-on training, led by Emergency Medicine specialists. The program equips clinicians with essential diagnostic skills, addressing critical gaps and enabling lifesaving care across: general medicine, emergency care, maternal health, and surgery.
Looking ahead, were planning to expand ultrasound training to more countries in 2026!
The next chapter in remote hands-on training
From the success and clear need for hands-on training courses like this, WTI is expanding our hands-on training model to new areas of care. WTI will soon launch a critical care training certification course starting in Kenya. The multi-week critical care training and certification program will start off at St. Clare’s Hospital in Kenya, where a new ICU is opening without trained providers.
World Telehealth Initiative’s program in action at St. Clare’s Hospital in Kenya
In partnership with the Society of Critical Care Medicine and medical specialists from Cottage Health, clinicians will complete the same rigorous curriculum as incoming ICU providers in California. Cottage providers will lead clinicians in Kenya through this hands-on training course to help them successfully launch the ICU and effectively care for patients in critical condition.
The momentum of the POCUS program shows what’s possible when technology and training come together. Each clinician trained represents countless patients who will receive faster, more accurate, and more effective care. With new countries on the horizon and a critical care program soon to launch, WTI continues advancing its mission to empower local providers and build sustainable, lasting impact in healthcare worldwide.