Telemedicine Training Boosts Pain Management Skills in Sierra Leone
Hybrid Learning Approach
On July 18, the telemedicine center at the Sierra Leone‑China Friendship Hospital in Freetown filled up fast. More than 40 senior local nurses gathered for a special training session. The program used a hybrid model: experts from Hunan Province gave remote video lectures, while doctors from the 27th Chinese Medical Team led on‑site clinical demonstrations.
Four‑Part Teaching Sequence
The session linked the two sides by video link and covered four parts:
- Theory – core concepts explained by the remote experts.
- Simulation – practice scenarios to apply the theory.
- Questions and Answers – live interaction to clear doubts.
- Clinical Rounds – real‑world examples shown by the Chinese doctors.
Dr. Zhou Shengqiang’s Lecture on Acupuncture
Dr. Zhou Shengqiang opened the lecture with a brief history of acupuncture. He traced its roots from ancient stone needles and the early use of moxibustion to the theories written in the Huangdi Neijing.
He then introduced Fu Needle Therapy, a modern form of acupuncture designed for common problems in Sierra Leone—chronic neck, shoulder, and joint pain—where specialized acupuncture services are still rare.
To show its effect, Dr. Zhou treated an 18‑year‑old university student who had suffered knee pain and limited mobility for six months. Within two minutes of the Fu needle application, the student reported noticeable pain relief and could squat, stand, and flex the knee again.
Hands‑On Demonstrations: Fu Needle Therapy, Gua Sha, Cupping
While Dr. Zhou focused on needles, other doctors demonstrated complementary techniques:
- Tan Yan showed Gua Sha (scraping) on the upper limbs. He explained how to pick the right tool, hold it at a 45‑degree angle, apply even pressure, and read the skin marks that appear. He also listed situations where scraping should be avoided.
- Dr. Li Duandan demonstrated moving cupping on the back. He taught how to create and control negative pressure, glide the cups along the bladder meridian, and adjust the technique for different body areas.
Nurse Zainab Bangura’s Feedback
Zainab Bangura, a registered nurse at the hospital, said:
“This course gives us clear, practical knowledge that fits our daily work. It fills a big gap in pain‑management services here.”
Building Sustainable Capacity
Since arriving in Sierra Leone, the 27th Chinese medical team has used two local hubs—the China‑Sierra Leone Traditional Chinese Medicine Center and the Nursing Training Center—to run ongoing training. Their goal is to leave behind skills and knowledge that local health workers can keep using long after the team departs.
Conclusion
The July 18 telemedicine training blended remote expertise with hands‑on practice, giving Sierra Leonean nurses new tools to treat common pain conditions. By learning acupuncture, Fu needle therapy, Gua Sha, and cupping, the nurses are better equipped to help patients feel better and move more freely. This effort shows how international cooperation can strengthen local health systems and create lasting benefits for the community.
