Dr. Nana Afia Nsua Boateng is an Emergency Medicine Physician Specialist and currently the Head of the Emergency Department at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge (GARH). Her journey in the medical field is one marked by excellence and passion. A graduate of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology-School of Medical Science (KNUST-SMS), Dr. Boateng went on to complete her residency in Emergency Medicine at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. In her final year of residency, she also interned at the University of Michigan and Hurley Medical Center in the USA, gaining valuable international experience.
Inspiration and Challenges in Emergency Medicine
When asked by Just4WomenAfrica what inspired her to pursue a career in emergency medicine, Dr. Boateng revealed that her fascination with the field began after completing medical school. She found emergency medicine to be a discipline that allows healthcare professionals to think on their feet and provide critical, life-saving care in fast-paced situations.
However, her journey has not been without challenges. According to Dr. Boateng, two major obstacles she has faced are infrastructure limitations and the need for better training among staff. Emergency medicine has only been around in Ghana for 12 years, but it has made significant progress since its inception. Nevertheless, there are still gaps that need to be addressed, particularly in the areas of staff training and resource availability.
Gaps in Ghana’s Healthcare System
Dr. Boateng identified several gaps in Ghana’s healthcare system. Chief among them is the lack of well-trained healthcare personnel, especially in emergency medicine. She also noted the persistent issues of limited resources and unequal access to healthcare. These challenges often make it difficult to provide the best possible care to patients in emergency situations.
South African Triage Scale (SATS)
One of the tools used in the emergency department at GARH is the South African Triage Scale (SATS). Dr. Boateng explained that the SATS is a vital tool for managing patient flow in overcrowded emergency departments. The triage system categorizes patients based on the severity of their conditions:
• Red (Immediate): Critical, life-threatening conditions requiring immediate attention.
• Orange (Very Urgent): Serious conditions needing urgent care.
• Yellow (Urgent): Conditions that are moderately urgent but not immediately life-threatening.
• Green (Standard): Non-urgent cases that can wait several hours.
• Blue (Dead): Patients who are deceased or beyond medical intervention.
The SATS has proven to be a simple yet reliable tool for rapidly assessing patients, especially in resource-limited environments like Ghana. It ensures that patients receive care based on the severity of their conditions, and that available medical resources and personnel are used efficiently.
The WhatsApp Referral Platform
Dr. Boateng also spoke about a groundbreaking initiative that has revolutionized patient referrals between hospitals in Accra. In 2021, she and her team launched a WhatsApp platform to facilitate smooth communication between medical professionals across major hospitals. Before this platform, there was often a disconnect between hospitals, making it difficult to transfer patients due to issues like bed shortages. Doctors would call to arrange transfers only to be told to wait, and sometimes the next call would be answered by a doctor off-duty.
The WhatsApp platform was introduced to eliminate these inefficiencies. Today, it has over 800 medical professionals connected, ensuring that patient transfers and referrals are handled more efficiently. Since its introduction, the platform has significantly reduced walk-ins from other hospitals for referrals and has helped receiving hospitals be better prepared for emergencies.
Balancing Work and Personal Life
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Dr. Boateng balances her demanding job with her personal life. She credits her ability to manage this balance to the unwavering support of her family, which allows her to stay focused on her work while also making time for herself and her loved ones.
Conclusion
Dr. Nana Afia Nsua Boateng is a trailblazer in Ghana’s healthcare system, particularly in the field of emergency medicine. Through her dedication, innovation, and leadership, she is helping to transform how emergency care is delivered in the country. From overcoming challenges in infrastructure and staff training to launching initiatives that improve patient referrals, Dr. Boateng’s work is shaping the future of emergency medicine in Ghana. Another of her initiatives was the Emergency week celebration which was the first of its kind in Ghana. It introduced people (both staff and clients/patients)to the concept of emergency medicine and how it is helping change emergency care in Ghana. It’s held biannually and so far it has had 3 editions.
Her story serves as an inspiration, especially to women in the medical field, proving that with passion, resilience, and innovation, it is possible to overcome challenges and make a lasting impact.
