HCOWAA and Essence Clinic Partner to Train Dialysis Professionals in Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Access.

The Health Community of West Africa Association, in partnership with Essence Clinic and Medical Laboratory, has successfully organised a two-day specialised training workshop on Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Techniques in Dialysis Services, aimed at strengthening the technical knowledge and practical competencies of dialysis professionals and improving kidney care delivery in Ghana.

The training, held on November 5 and 6, 2026, at the headquarters of the Health Community of West Africa Association, brought together dialysis nurses, nephrology nurses, dialysis technicians and other healthcare professionals from several healthcare institutions, including Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Legon Hospital, Ghana Police Hospital and LEKMA Hospital.

The initiative forms part of the Health Community of West Africa Association's commitment to supporting healthcare capacity development through specialised professional training, technical knowledge exchange and collaboration with healthcare institutions and industry partners.

Strengthening Technical Capacity in Dialysis Services

Vascular access is an essential component of haemodialysis treatment, providing the route through which blood is accessed and circulated through the dialysis machine during treatment. Its effectiveness and proper management are important to the continuity and quality of dialysis services.

Ultrasound-guided techniques have become increasingly valuable in vascular assessment and access procedures, allowing healthcare professionals to visualise blood vessels and surrounding anatomical structures in real time. This supports the identification of suitable vessels and provides clinicians with visual guidance during vascular access procedures.

Recognising the importance of these competencies in dialysis practice, the two-day workshop was structured to combine theoretical instruction with practical demonstrations and hands-on learning, giving participants the opportunity to understand the clinical principles and application of ultrasound-guided vascular access techniques.

Dr. Qin Yang Leads Specialised Clinical Training

The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Qin Yang, Nephrologist and Medical Director of Essence Clinic and Medical Laboratory, who guided participants through the clinical principles, anatomical considerations and technical approaches associated with ultrasound-guided vascular access.

Drawing on his professional experience in nephrology, Dr. Yang led discussions on upper extremity vascular anatomy, highlighting the importance of understanding the vascular structures involved in establishing and maintaining access for haemodialysis patients.

His presentations also covered the creation, assessment and maintenance of arteriovenous fistulas, which remain a preferred vascular access option for many patients requiring long-term haemodialysis.

Participants were introduced to important considerations in evaluating vascular structures, understanding fistula function and recognising the importance of appropriate vascular access management.

Day One Focuses on Theoretical and Clinical Foundations

The first day of the training, held on Thursday, November 5, focused on the theoretical and clinical foundations of ultrasound-guided vascular access.

Participants explored upper extremity vascular anatomy, with attention to the blood vessels relevant to the establishment and management of vascular access for haemodialysis.

The sessions also examined the creation, assessment and maintenance of arteriovenous fistulas, providing participants with a better understanding of their importance in supporting long-term dialysis treatment.

Particular attention was given to the clinical considerations involved in vascular access assessment and the importance of identifying and understanding vascular structures before undertaking access-related procedures.

The theoretical sessions provided the foundation for the practical activities scheduled for the second day, allowing participants to build an understanding of the anatomical and clinical principles underpinning the techniques.

Day Two Features Practical Demonstrations and Hands-on Training

The second day, Friday, November 6, focused on the practical application of ultrasound-guided percutaneous techniques, allowing participants to translate the theoretical knowledge acquired on the first day into practical clinical experience.

Under the guidance of Dr. Qin Yang, participants observed practical demonstrations and engaged in hands-on training involving the use of ultrasound equipment for vascular identification and ultrasound-guided percutaneous access techniques.

The practical sessions exposed participants to the process of using ultrasound imaging to identify and assess vascular structures, understand the positioning and guidance of the needle under ultrasound visualisation, and appreciate the technical considerations involved in performing vascular access procedures.

Through the demonstrations and hands-on exercises, participants had the opportunity to engage directly with the techniques, observe the procedures and strengthen their understanding of how ultrasound guidance can support vascular access in dialysis services.

The practical component was an important aspect of the workshop, as it allowed participants to connect the clinical principles discussed during the first day with their application in practice.

Participants Highlight the Value of the Training

The workshop also provided an opportunity for participating healthcare professionals to share their experiences and reflect on the importance of the specialised training to their professional practice.

Patricia Ekwam of LEKMA Hospital expressed appreciation for the training, highlighting its value in strengthening professional knowledge and providing practical exposure to ultrasound-guided vascular access techniques. The combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on demonstrations offered an opportunity to deepen her understanding of the procedures and their relevance to dialysis care.

Similarly, Sergeant Bernard D. Heer of Ghana Police Hospital acknowledged the importance of the training in enhancing the knowledge and technical competencies of healthcare professionals involved in dialysis services. The practical sessions provided valuable exposure to the application of ultrasound-guided techniques and reinforced the need for continuous professional development within the healthcare sector.

Their participation and reflections highlighted the importance of specialised training opportunities that enable healthcare professionals to update their knowledge, acquire relevant technical skills and learn from experienced practitioners.

Certificates Presented to Participants

The two-day workshop concluded with the presentation of certificates of participation to the trainees in recognition of their involvement and commitment to professional development.

The certificate presentation marked the successful completion of the programme, acknowledging the participants' dedication to strengthening their knowledge and practical competencies in ultrasound-guided vascular access techniques.

The programme also provided an opportunity for professional interaction and knowledge exchange among healthcare workers from different institutions, reinforcing the importance of collaborative learning in improving healthcare delivery.

Advancing Kidney Care Through Professional Development

The successful organisation of the workshop highlights the importance of targeted professional training in responding to the evolving technical demands of healthcare delivery.

As dialysis services continue to play an important role in the management of kidney disease, strengthening the knowledge and practical competencies of healthcare professionals remains essential.

Dialysis professionals have significant responsibilities in supporting patients who depend on regular haemodialysis treatment. Their understanding of vascular access, ability to recognise potential complications and familiarity with appropriate clinical techniques all contribute to the quality and continuity of care.

Specialised training programmes therefore provide an important opportunity to improve professional knowledge, encourage the appropriate application of modern technologies and support the development of a skilled healthcare workforce.

Through its partnership with Essence Clinic and Medical Laboratory, the Health Community of West Africa Association continues to demonstrate the value of collaboration in expanding access to specialised clinical knowledge and professional training.

The Health Community of West Africa Association remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen healthcare professionals, promote innovation and improve healthcare delivery across Ghana and the wider West African region.

The Association appreciates Essence Clinic and Medical Laboratory, Dr. Qin Yang, the participating healthcare institutions and all the professionals who took part in the training for their contributions to the successful organisation of the programme.