1. GRANTHAM-KNUST FAMILY MEDICINE TWINNING PROJECT
Dr Nana K. Ayisi-Boateng, MGCP (FAMMED)
University Hospital
KNUST

2. Introduction
This is a partnership between the University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana and the Grantham Practice, in London, United Kingdom
Founded by Dr Vikesh Sharma, a GP Partner and Dr Nana Kwame Ayisi-Boateng, a Family Physician

3. Grantham Practice
A medium-sized Family Medicine Clinic in South London (Stockwell)
6,700 registered clients,5 General Practitioners (GPs)
Approximately 700 from Ghana or West Africa
Main community centre for all Lambeth minor surgeries

4. KNUST Hospital
A quasi-government institution located on the University Campus, KNUST, Kumasi
Provides general medical and specialist services for students, staff and their dependents as well as private patients
> 80,000 patients seen annually

5. COMMON PROBLEMS
Achieving clients’ satisfaction and meeting their expectations
Acquiring and maintaining modern medical equipment as well as an efficient client data processing system
Building the capacity of health workers to address global health challenges
Establishing a cost-effective medical practice
Innovating the service delivery to keep pace with evolving patient socioeconomic diversity

6. WONCA AFRICA 2015
1st Meeting with Dr Vikesh Sharma at WONCA AFRICA Conference in May, 2015

7. Dr Sharma engaged with Ghana Faculty of Family Medicine
He paid a visit to KNUST Hospital!
Partnership started

8. MISSION
A global health partnership aimed at promoting efficient delivery of primary care by developing an innovative family medicine model through shared knowledge and expertise, with the potential to transform the patient experience and empower future generation of doctors

9. AIMS To establish an effective and sustainable partnership
To better understand the influences of culture, lifestyle and beliefs on health
To promote the interest of young doctors in Family Medicine
To improve outcomes in patients with chronic illnesses
To prevent the development of disease through health promotion
6. To engage better with the local community

10. 5-Year Action Plan
An official document as blueprint for the partnership
Establish a two-way referral system
Develop exchange programmes for UK GPs and Ghanaian medical students/doctors
Create e-learning platforms and subscribe to journals
Undertake community-oriented and hospital-based projects
Develop a curriculum for undergraduate training in Family Medicine at KNUST by the year 2020

11. RESULTS A Facebook page created for the partnership
Updates on our activities
Public education on chronic diseases
Created a shared Dropbox Account for medical literature

12. RESULTS
0ctober 2015 – Annual Conference of the RCGP in Glasgow, Scotland

13. RESULTS Contacts made and new friendships developed
Met Prof Amanda Howe,
President, WONCA World

14. RESULTS Working Visit to GRANTHAM PRACTICE
Studied UK GP appointment system
Electronic Medical Information System
Shared expertise on managing Ghanaian patients

15. RESULTS
Dr Sharma run an evening health education at a West African Local Church
He has gained better insight into managing health challenges of West African patients

16. RESULTS
Presented a proposal for a £20, 000 THET grant to undertake a community based diabetes care
Qualified for 2nd phase
Learnt important lessons
Focus of partnership sharpened

17. RESULTS
September 2016, Lambeth CCG Award for outstanding contribution to Primary Care
For his intimate works with the local ethnic communities

18. RESULTS
$1,000 Travel bursary to participate in 2016 WONCA World Conference in November
Workshop on International Partnerships in Family Medicine

19. Challenges Institutional bottlenecks and bereaucracy
Partners’ personal, family and career commitments
Funds for partnership currently generated from private resources

20. FUTURE PROSPECTS Commitment to the 5-year action plan
Explore another opportunity to be awarded a THET grant or other international funds
Provide inspiration and direction for more international partnerships in Family Medicine

21. CONCLUSION
Partnership has been truly bilateral and mutually beneficial

22. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Faculty of Family Medicine, GCPS
KNUST Hospital Management
Grantham Practice Management
Junior International Committee, RCGP

23. “Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labour” ECCLESIASTES 4: 9 NKJV

24. THANK YOU