On 15th February 2025, the Paediatric Department of Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM), in collaboration with the Malaysian Neonatal Resuscitation Program (MyNRP), successfully conducted a MyNRP Instructor Course at the Students’ Learning and Resource Center (BPSP), USM.

A total of 21 candidates, comprising third- and fourth-year Master of Medicine (MMed) students in Paediatrics, along with four experienced trainers, participated in this course. The primary objective was to develop certified NRP instructors equipped with updated knowledge and essential skills to train and educate future medical practitioners in neonatal resuscitation.

The course commenced with a multiple-choice assessment based on the NRP 8th Edition, designed to evaluate and reinforce participants' understanding. This was followed by insightful lectures delivered by Dr. Farohah Che Mat Zain on Introduction to NRP Instructor Methodology and Associate Professor Dr. Noraida Ramli on Roles and Responsibilities of an NRP Instructor. These sessions provided invaluable insights into the expectations and responsibilities of certified NRP instructors.

After a brief break, the program proceeded with hands-on practical sessions focusing on performance and integrated skills. Participants were divided into four groups, each supervised by an experienced trainer. These interactive sessions allowed candidates to take on various roles in multiple resuscitation scenarios, alternating between instructor and trainee positions. The high level of engagement was evident as participants actively immersed themselves in the learning process. Special emphasis was placed on effective debriefing techniques and the critical importance of clear and structured communication among healthcare professionals.

The day concluded with an informative session by Dr. Farohah on Course Organization, Maintaining Active Instructor Status, and Recertification of Providers. Participants were reminded of the importance of fulfilling prerequisites in a timely manner and maintaining active engagement with their assigned instructor mentors to ensure continuous professional development.

In conclusion, the MyNRP Instructor Course was conducted smoothly and successfully achieved its objectives. It is hoped that all participants will benefit from the program and go on to become proficient NRP instructors, dedicated to training and educating future generations of medical practitioners in neonatal resuscitation.

Prepared by

MUHAMMAD ‘AMMAR BIN ABDUL WAHAB

Secretary MyNRP Instructor Course HPUSM

We are pleased to report the successful implementation of the Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) course at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Kelantan. This achievement represents a significant milestone in enhancing standardized resuscitation guidelines to healthcare providers in the region. The course effectively intergrated theoretical knowledge with practical skills training, equipping participants with comprehensive exposure to pediatric emergency management using a structured approach.

Course Overview

Date and Venue

The APLS course was conducted on 10-12th February 2025 at Blok Pembelajaran Dan Sumber Pelajar (BPSP), Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan.

Collboration with:

• Paediatric Department, Universiti Sains Malaysia
• Kelab Pediatrik HPUSM
• Integrated Clinical Simulation Centre (ICSC)
• Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II
• Malaysia Paediatric Resuscitation Society (MPRS)

Participation

• Total number of participants: 24
• Participant profile: Paediatricians, Postgraduate students, and Medical Officers in Paediatrics from across Malaysia

Faculty

The course was facilitated by a diverse team of instructors including:

• Course Director: Dr. Zainah Shaikh Hedra
• Local Host Coordinator: Dr. Farohah Che Mat Zain
• Guest Instructors:
  • Zainah Shaikh Hedra (Johor)
  • Sharifah Huda Engku Alwi (Terengganu)
  • Abd. Kursi bin Abdul Latif (Perak)
  • Ng Siew Gar (Selangor)
  • Farohah Che Mat Zain (USM, Kelantan)
  • Nur Ezdiani Che Md Azim (Kelantan)
  • Mariana bt Daud (Kelantan)
  • Nik Khairulddin bin Nik Yusoff (Kelantan)
  • Pazlida Binti Pauzi (Kelantan)
  • Mohd Hazman Kamaruzaman (USM, Kelantan)
  • Wan Nazimmah binti Wan Mahmood (Kelantan) 

Course Structure and Content

Pre-course Assessment

The course commenced with a multiple-choice assessment based on APLS e-module to establish baseline knowledge and identify areas requiring focus.

Theoretical Component

Interactive Lectures covered essential topics in three key areas:

• Structured approach to assessing the seriously ill child
• Structured approach to trauma
• Structured approach to Cardiac arrest

Practical Component

Participants were divided into small groups for hands-on training that included:

• Skill stations focusing on airway management, vascular access, and defibrillation
• Simulated scenarios of common pediatric emergencies
• Role-playing exercises as both team leaders and team members
• Structured debriefing sessions after each scenario to reinforce learning

Assessment

Participants were evaluated through:

• Continuous assessment during practical sessions
• Theoretical examination
• Practical skills demonstration and scenario management

Achievements and Outcomes

All participants successfully completed the course requirements, demonstrating proficiency in the structured approach to paediatric emergencies. This represents the first APLS course conducted in Kelantan, marking an important step in standardizing paediatric emergency care in the region.

Acknowledgments

The successful implementation of this course was made possible through collaboration between multiple institutions and individuals. Special acknowledgment goes to all instructors, committee members, and candidates whose participation and engagement contributed to the course's success. We also thank the administration of USM and HRPZ II for their support in providing facilities and resources. 

Conclusion

The successful organization of the APLS course at USM Kelantan demonstrates the power of teamwork and dedication in advancing pediatric emergency care. This achievement aligns with national objectives to standardize resuscitation guidelines across Malaysia and represents a significant step forward in pediatric healthcare delivery in the region.

This course has not only enhanced the clinical capabilities of participants but has also strengthened professional networks and fostered collaboration between different healthcare institutions. We look forward to building on this success to further improve pediatric emergency care throughout Malaysia.

Report prepared by: 

Dr. Farohah Che Mat Zain 

Coordinator of Pediatric & Neonatal Resuscitation in USM

Instructor with candidates

Instructor with candidates

Lecture by instructor

Simulation demonstration by instructor

Simulation discussion with candidates

PROGRAM SAMBUTAN BAYI PRAMATANG 2024 PERINGKAT HOSPITAL PAKAR USM:

PERJALANAN INSPIRASI DAN KESEDARAN KOMUNITI

Jabatan Pediatrik Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) dengan Kerjasama Pusat Pengajian Sains Perubatan, USM  telah menganjurkan Program Sambutan Hari Bayi Pramatang 2024 bersempena Hari Bayi Pramatang Sedunia yang bertemakan “Small actions, BIG IMPACT: Immediate skin-to-skin care for every baby everywhere.” Program telah berlangsung dari 18 hingga 23 November 2024. Program selama enam hari ini bertujuan meningkatkan kesedaran masyarakat mengenai cabaran bayi pramatang, menyokong keluarga yang terlibat, dan mempromosikan penjagaan komprehensif untuk bayi pramatang. Aktiviti-aktiviti yang diadakan bukan sahaja mendidik tetapi juga mengukuhkan hubungan antara keluarga bayi pramatang, komuniti, dan pasukan kesihatan.

1. Pameran Kesedaran (18-21 November 2024)

Pameran Kesedaran Bayi Pramatang bertempat di Lorong Farmasi Pesakit Luar USM. Pameran selama empat hari ini menyediakan pelbagai stesen interaktif yang memberi maklumat berguna kepada pengunjung. Pegawai perubatan dan jururawat bertugas memberikan panduan praktikal serta demonstrasi. Demonstrasi Basic Life Support (BLS) memberikan peluang kepada pengunjung untuk mempelajari teknik CPR asas yang penting bagi bayi pramatang dalam situasi kecemasan seperti bayi tersedak atau tidak bernafas. Aktiviti interaktif ini membolehkan peserta mencuba teknik BLS menggunakan patung simulasi, sekali gus meningkatkan keyakinan mereka dalam menghadapi situasi kecemasan. Selain itu, kaedah Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), yang menggalakkan hubungan kulit ke kulit antara ibu dan bayi, turut diterangkan secara terperinci. Jururawat terlatih menunjukkan manfaat KMC seperti membantu menstabilkan suhu badan bayi serta merangsang hubungan emosi. Demonstrasi praktikal turut dijalankan untuk membantu ibu bapa menguasai teknik ini bagi penjagaan harian bayi mereka.

Dalam masa yang sama, pameran peralatan perubatan seperti incubator, TPN dan ventilator dipamerkan untuk memberi pendedahan kepada masyarakat tentang sokongan teknologi perubatan dalam proses perawatan bayi pramatang. Pengunjung berpeluang melihat demonstrasi fungsi peralatan ini secara dekat. Kesedaran tentang penyusuan susu ibu juga diperkukuh melalui sesi perkongsian oleh pakar laktasi yang menekankan kepentingan susu ibu sebagai nutrisi utama bagi bayi pramatang. Sesi soal jawab dan poster pendidikan telah disediakan untuk menggalakkan ibu bapa menjadikan susu ibu sebagai pilihan utama. Tambahan itu, kuiz interaktif yang menyeronokkan diadakan untuk meningkatkan pemahaman pengunjung mengenai penjagaan bayi pramatang. Peserta yang berjaya menjawab soalan dengan betul menerima token hadiah sebagai dorongan. Pameran ini memberi impak positif kepada komuniti, melengkapkan mereka dengan pengetahuan dan kemahiran asas yang penting untuk menyokong bayi pramatang dan keluarga mereka.

 Preemie Walk (22 November 2024)

Preemie Walk yang berlangsung di Padang Astaka USM berjaya menarik 300 peserta. Acara telah bermula seawal jam 6.45 pagi dengan suasana ceria dan penuh semangat. Peserta diberikan belon berwarna ungu sebagai simbol solidariti kepada bayi pramatang.

Meskipun hujan lebat, semangat para peserta tidak luntur. Larian simbolik ini mencerminkan kekuatan dan ketabahan bayi pramatang dalam perjuangan hidup mereka. Sesungguhnya, hujan yang turun sepanjang "Preemie Walk" kita mempunyai pengertian yang amat bermakna. Ianya bagaikan perjalanan bayi  pramatang kita; kadangkala ditimpa ribut (seperti hujan), kadangkala diuji dengan cabaran (seperti guruh). Namun kita tetap teguh melangkah ke hadapan, seiringan Bersama.

Acara ini telah dirasmikan oleh Prof Wan Hazabbah (Timbalan Dekan, Libatsama Industri-Komuniti dan Pembangunan) dan beliau  menekankan pentingnya sokongan komuniti kepada keluarga bayi pramatang.

Selepas itu, sesi cabutan bertuah menjadi kemuncak yang dinantikan, di mana pelbagai hadiah menarik seperti baucar dan peralatan eletrik dan hamper hadiah diberikan kepada peserta yang bertuah. Acara ini bukan sahaja mengeratkan hubungan komuniti tetapi juga menyemai semangat kebersamaan dan kesedaran tentang cabaran bayi pramatang.

3. Majlis Sambutan Bayi Pramatang (23 November 2024)

Majlis kemuncak yang telah berlangsung di Dataran Merah USM pada 23 November dipenuhi pelbagai aktiviti menarik yang meraikan kekuatan dan keajaiban bayi pramatang. 22 orang bayi pramatang bersama keluarga mereka telah sama-sama memeriahkan majlis. Majlis dimulakan dengan sesi pendaftaran dan photobooth yang mencipta suasana ceria apabila keluarga mengambil gambar bersama bayi pramatang mereka, menjadikan detik ini sebagai kenangan indah yang abadi. Pelbagai aktiviti kekeluargaan dan aktiviti untuk kanak-kanak telah diadakan bagi menceriakan suasana, termasuk pertandingan mewarna yang memberi peluang kepada kanak-kanak untuk menonjolkan kreativiti mereka. Acara yang paling menarik perhatian ialah pertunjukan fesyen bertemakan ‘Fairy Tale’, di mana kanak-kanak tampil comel dalam pakaian ‘fairy tale’. Selain itu, permainan interaktif seperti Snake Ladder dan sesi face painting mengeratkan hubungan antara keluarga sambil membawa keceriaan kepada semua peserta.

Dalam ucapan perasmian oleh YBrs. Dr. Tengku Mastura (Ketua Unit Klinikal HPUSM), beliau telah menekankan usaha yang berterusan untuk menyokong keluarga bayi pramatang, menekankan kepentingan sokongan komuniti dalam meringankan cabaran yang dihadapi oleh ibu bapa. Sesi tayangan multimedia pula menyentuh hati semua yang hadir dengan memaparkan kisah perjuangan bayi pramatang serta pengalaman keluarga mereka. Pengalaman ini turut dilengkapi dengan perkongsian secara langsung daripada ibu bapa, yang memberikan inspirasi dan kekuatan kepada keluarga lain yang menghadapi cabaran serupa. Majlis diakhiri dengan penuh simbolik melalui sesi memotong kek dan bergambar bersama tetamu kehormat serta peserta, menandakan penutup kepada program yang penuh bermakna ini.

Kesimpulan

Program Sambutan Bayi Pramatang 2024 Peringkat USM telah mencapai objektifnya dengan cemerlang, mengeratkan hubungan komuniti, meningkatkan kesedaran, dan memberikan sokongan moral kepada keluarga bayi pramatang. Kejayaan ini membuktikan pentingnya kerjasama antara pihak kesihatan, keluarga, dan masyarakat dalam mewujudkan komuniti yang lebih prihatin dan inklusif. Diharapkan program ini menjadi pemangkin kepada inisiatif yang lebih besar pada masa hadapan, terus menyemarakkan solidariti dan harapan untuk bayi pramatang dan keluarga mereka.

Paediatric Department Hospital USM  Family Day was held on the 29th and 30th of September 2024 at Sutra Beach Resort, Merang, Terengganu. This event gathered participants from 37 families, providing an opportunity for relaxation, bonding, and learning outside of the hospital environment. The picturesque location of the resort, with its serene coastal backdrop, offered an ideal setting for families to connect and unwind together.

The two-day event was packed with engaging activities for both children and adults. A key highlight was the Basic Life Support (BLS) training session designed especially for kids, aiming to teach them essential life-saving skills in a fun and accessible way. In the evening, families enjoyed a vibrant dinner with the theme Tropika Flora and Fauna, where participants dressed up in tropical-themed attire, adding a lively and colourful atmosphere to the night. Additionally, the dinner featured a lucky draw, with one lucky family taking home a grand prize, making the evening even more memorable.

The event concluded on a positive note, with participants taking part in family games that encouraged teamwork and strengthened bonds among family members. The combination of learning, fun, and togetherness created a memorable experience for everyone involved. As the weekend drew to a close, families left with happy hearts, fond memories, and a renewed sense of community and camaraderie.