Egerton University in partnership with Kenya Education Network (KENET) has launched an advanced virtual digital platform that connects medical students to surgeons globally. This is made possible by high speed internet and will enable students to watch live and pre-recorded surgeries in 360 degree virtual reality (VR) thereby improving medical training.
Surgical Training with Digital Innovation
Vice Chancellor Professor Isaac Kibwage said the partnership will leverage digital tools to improve surgical education and research. Under KENET’s Teaching Hospitals Connectivity Initiative, the project combines eduroam and surgical theatre telepresence systems to give an immersive learning experience.
"With virtual reality training, students can watch surgeries and get confidence before performing procedures under supervision. The technology is both affordable and accessible, all you need is an internet connection and a mobile device," said Prof. Kibwage.
Before, medical students relied on mannequins, simulations or cadavers for training – expensive and limited in scale. The new VR system eliminates these barriers by offering remote real time learning.
Reducing Surgical Errors and Collaboration
The VC said this will allow students to prepare for surgeries without relying on busy consultants thereby reducing surgical errors and speed up the learning process. Through live video conference surgeries (VCS), students will interact with global experts and refine their skills with real world experience.
To achieve this Egerton University has integrated ‘Proximie’, a leading surgical technology platform into its training programs. Proximie enables hospitals to adopt a more connected surgical approach, knowledge sharing and collaboration.
"Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital is now the fourth hospital in Kenya to adopt Proximie. Other institutions such as Kenyatta National Hospital and University of Nairobi have also seen the benefits of this technology," said Prof. Kibwage.
Bridging the Gap in Medical Training Through Connectivity
The COVID-19 pandemic showed us the importance of remote medical training hence the development of the Surgical VR system. This innovation combines specialized cameras and software to make surgical education safe and effective.
KENET Executive Director Professor Meoli Kashorda said the Proximie platform gives real time access to global surgical expertise. "This partnership between KENET and Egerton University is creating a medical training ecosystem that supports innovation and improves healthcare standards," he said.
A New World of Medical Learning
Proximie is currently deployed in over 800 hospitals across 50 countries and works with 40+ medical device companies. The platform has access to 90% of operating rooms in USA, UK and EU making it a game changer in surgical training and telemedicine.
With fiber optic technology advancing, Kenyan medical professionals can now use high speed internet for live surgical training and improve learning outcomes and patient safety.