Quantifiable Impact
By measuring verified training attendances against declining rates of post-traditional injury admissions, we validate our methods through rigorous data acquisition.
As of 30 January 2026
What the data shows
Fewer Complications
There has been a marked improvement, with a notable reduction in TBS-related complications presenting at the hospital after the training — including declines in severe tissue necrosis, wound infection, and limb-threatening fracture mismanagement across all zones where the programme has been active.
Better Referral Decisions
Trained traditional bone setters now demonstrate improved clinical judgment by referring cases beyond their capacity to the hospital. Each training course concludes by establishing a formal referral pathway to the nearest affiliated hospital, creating a durable bridge between traditional practice and modern trauma care.
Sustained Knowledge Retention
Follow-up assessments indicate that core safety protocols — including splinting technique, wound care, and triage criteria — are being retained and consistently applied in the field well beyond the formal training period, suggesting durable behaviour change within the practitioner community.
Why this matters
Traditional bone setters (TBSs) are often the first point of contact for fracture patients in Ghana's rural and peri-urban communities. Rather than marginalising these practitioners, the Ghana TBS Project recognises them as vital primary care nodes — and equips them with the knowledge to avoid harm and refer appropriately.
The data collected since 2019 provides growing evidence that structured, respectful engagement with traditional practitioners yields measurable patient safety improvements without displacing community trust in existing care systems. The model is designed to complement, not compete with, formal health infrastructure.
Our methodology is validated through collaboration with KNUST, the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), the Ministry of Health, and the AO Alliance Foundation. Findings are submitted for peer review and publication to ensure scientific rigour.
"Each training course ends with establishing a referral pathway to local hospitals, bridging the gap between tradition and modern science."
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