emphasizes ethical practice, patient-centered care, and professional development,

ensuring that graduates uphold the highest standards of the profession. This is stated as
references to quality improvement, monitoring, and evaluation in the CBC
curriculum (pp. 23-24).
Addressing National Needs:
Ethiopia faces a significant unmet need for qualified anesthesia professionals,
exacerbated by a lack of retention mechanisms and limited private sector involvement
in training. Additionally, significant population growth and urbanization have increased
the burden on healthcare services. The rising prevalence of diseases and the growing
number of emergency cases, including traffic accidents and obstetric emergencies,
necessitate a robust healthcare system with skilled anesthesia professionals.
Program Establishment: The Anesthesia Program at DDU was established by DDU
Management in 2006 E.C to address gaps and retention problems in the eastern parts
and neighboring regions such as Somali Land, Djibouti, and Somalia in Ethiopia partly
due to the hot weather conditions. In collaboration with various stakeholders, a
nationally harmonized competency-based curriculum was initiated in 2019 to ensure
the production of qualified anesthetists capable of managing new techniques. As
stipulated in the Higher Education Proclamation No. 650/2009; and Dire-Dawa
University Established per Council of Ministers Regulation Number 230/2011, herein
under, therefore, Dire Dawa University has the mandate to open Program at DDU.
Program Relevance: The program aligns its learning outcomes with national
development goals and societal health needs. Following the Ethiopian national
educational change and national educational roadmap toward a Competency-Based
Curriculum (CBC) approach, CBC was developed, reviewed with stakeholders, and
approved by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in 2022 (Ref.No: 9/242/611/15). The
program aligns its learning outcomes with national development goals and societal
health needs. Anesthesia program at DDU not only aligns with national priorities but
also plays a crucial role in addressing regional healthcare needs and fostering
international collaboration with neighboring countries (Somalia, Djibouti, and Sudan).
1. As healthcare evolves, the role of anesthesia professionals will expand to include
leadership in quality improvement initiatives, health informatics, and emergency
response, making them indispensable to the healthcare system.
The program's design and objectives ensure that it remains relevant and impactful both

ANESTHESIA PROGRAM DATA COLLECTION (DCT) REPORT 32

 locally and internationally, contributing significantly to the improvement of healthcare
services in Ethiopia and neighboring countries. It emphasizes hands-on training to
develop skilled professionals capable of meeting healthcare needs not only within
Ethiopia but also in neighboring countries like Somalia, Djibouti, and Sudan.
Program introduction and Review Process
The process for introducing new programs at Dire Dawa University follows the
guidelines set out in the DDU-Senate Legislation see sample of Article;Appendix
7:Appendix 5:. The Directorate of Quality Enhancement and Academic Affairs, in
consultation with the Vice President for Academic Affairs/SD, issues detailed
guidelines for program development and review. This includes conducting university
and program-level needs assessments to understand stakeholder expectations and
national priorities. Thus, the program has well-stated processes and procedures for
introducing and reviewing new programs based on the Dire Dawa University Senate
Legislation (Article: Appendix 5:.
Program Review: The formal processes for reviewing the program are well articulated
in the DDU-senate legislation (Article 48). Based on this, a program development
committee with various experts devised a mechanism to monitor and evaluate the
effectiveness of the existing program and its relevance to national needs. The most
recent review was conducted in 2023 and 2024, although the frequency of future
reviews is not explicitly stated. Program-level needs assessments are conducted to
understand stakeholder expectations.
Graduate Competencies
The EHPLE guidelines provide detailed information on the competencies and standards
expected of anesthesia professionals. This can be accessed on the Ministry of Health
website and DDU-Anesthesia program website. The level expected 11 competencies
for the bachelor of anesthesia qualification are stated as follows. The competency
network picture indicated in the executive summary section also shows the interaction
between these competencies. Altogether, the competency framework includes 11
competencies, 56 sub-competencies Graduates of the Anesthesia program are expected
to demonstrate a high level of competence in anesthesia care. This includes the ability
to:
1. Assess, optimize and prepare patients for surgery and anesthesia
2. Utilize anesthesia machine, equipment, supply, and monitoring devices properly

ANESTHESIA PROGRAM DATA COLLECTION (DCT) REPORT 33

 3. Manage patients’ airways using different modalities
4. Provide safe intraoperative anesthetic management for patients
5. Provide safe postoperative anesthetic care
6. Manage pain for different patient groups
7. Engage in pre-hospital, emergency, and critical care services
8. Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) effectively
9. Apply ethical and legal principles in anesthesia practice
10. Participate in scientific evidence generation and utilization
11. Manage anesthesia service in a health facility
12. Conduct Research, Audit, and Leadership: Engage in research activities, conduct
audits, and exhibit leadership qualities

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1. PLO1: Assess, optimize, and prepare patients for surgery and anesthesia.

2. PLO2: Utilize anesthesia machines, equipment, supplies, and monitoring devices properly.
3. PLO3: Manage patients’ airways using different modalities.
4. PLO4: Provide safe intraoperative anesthetic management for patients.
5. PLO5: Provide safe postoperative anesthetic care.
6. PLO6: Manage pain for different patient groups.
7. PLO7: Engage in pre-hospital, emergency, and critical care services.
8. PLO8: Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) effectively.
9. PLO9: Apply ethical and legal principles in anesthesia practice.
10. PLO10: Participate in scientific evidence generation and utilization.

11. PLO11: Manage anesthesia services in a health facility (able to effectively lead and manage anesthesia service
in a facility competence will be confirmed

ANESTHESIA PROGRAM DATA COLLECTION (DCT) REPORT 34

ANESTHESIA PROGRAM DATA COLLECTION (DCT) REPORT 35
 PROGRAM VISION, CORE VALUES AND MISSION WITH CLEARLY
OUTLINED MILESTONES

Program Description
Aspect
Program In line with the vision of Dire Dawa University, the Anesthesia Program is
Vision committed to achieving key milestones:
Milestones:
By 2024/25: Achieve national accreditation within Ethiopia to ensure quality
and accountability from ETA.
By 2027: Gain international recognition to establish credibility and expand
career opportunities for graduates.
By 2030: Rank among the top ten Anesthesia programs in Africa, take a
leading role in applied anesthesia education, and transform healthcare in
Ethiopia and neighboring countries by preparing highly skilled professionals
equipped to deliver both general and specialized anesthesia services, while
positively impacting healthcare delivery in the region.
Program To produce highly competent anesthesia professionals with the knowledge,
Mission clinical skills, critical thinking, and attitudes required to deliver
comprehensive anesthesia services within their scope of practice.
Additionally, the program is dedicated to serving the community through
research-driven problem-solving, clinical care, and health promotion efforts
that address local and regional healthcare needs.
Core Values Description
Pursuit of Truth & Freedom of Fostering an open environment for knowledge
Expression sharing and exploration.
Institutional Reputability Building respect through successful mission
accomplishment.
Competitiveness & Prioritizing academic rigor and collaborative
Collaboration relationships with institutions.
Autonomy with Accountability Upholding responsible, transparent decision-making.
Participatory Governance & Ensuring inclusive decision-making and adherence to
Rule of Law policies.
Justice and Fairness Promoting equality and impartiality in all program
activities.
Anti-Corruption Culture Committing to ethical practices and transparency.
Quality & Speedy Service Striving for excellence and efficiency in all services.
Delivery
Resource Stewardship Using resources effectively and maintaining assets
responsibly.
Merit Recognition & Diversity Recognizing achievements and embracing
inclusivity.
Democracy & Multiculturalism Supporting a diverse, democratic learning
environment.

ANESTHESIA PROGRAM DATA COLLECTION (DCT) REPORT 36

 PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

Curriculum Details
Objectives
General Objective To prepare competent anesthesia professionals able to deliver a full
scope of anesthesia services with strong knowledge, skills,
attitudes, and critical thinking in the real world. While serving the
community through research-driven problem-solving, clinical
services, and health promotion efforts that address local and
regional healthcare needs.
Specific Objectives
Foundational Equip students with comprehensive knowledge in biomedical
Knowledge science, clinical, and public health.
Comorbidity Prepare students to assess and optimize patients with coexisting
Assessment conditions.
Individualized Train students in creating personalized anesthesia plans for each
Care patient.
Complex Case Enable students to manage patients with multiple conditions using
Management evidence-based practices.
Professional Prepare students for a range of clinical anesthesia care settings.
Practice
Communication Develop effective communication with patients, families, and
Skills healthcare teams.
Research Engage students in conducting and applying relevant research
Utilization findings in practice.
Evidence-Based Train students in applying research-based practices for high-quality
Practice anesthesia care.
Practical Skills Provide a strong theoretical and hands-on foundation in anesthesia
Development techniques.
Leadership and Cultivate leadership and organizational skills for effective
Management healthcare management.
Critical Thinking Enhance reflective practices and responsible clinical decisions.
& Decision-Making
Emergency & Equip students with the skills to manage critically ill patients in
Critical Care emergency situations.
Preparation for Prepare students for postgraduate education and ongoing
Advanced Studies professional development.

ANESTHESIA PROGRAM DATA COLLECTION (DCT) REPORT 37

 SAMPLE OF EXAM BLUEPRINT

Program competency item in blueprint for exit exam

No Themes Course Name Cr. Share of Share of Competencies (in %)

Hrs. Courses Knowledge Skill Attitude
(%)
1 Patient Care Preoperative and Postoperative 3 4.5 3 1 0.5
assessment and care
Airway Management 3 4.5 3 1 0.5
Obstetrics and Gynecologic 7 10.6 7 3 0.6
Anesthesia
Neonatal and Pediatrics 6 9.1 7 1 1
Anesthesia
Geriatrics Anesthesia 3 4.5 3 1 0.5
Anesthesia for General, Urologic 7 10.6 7 3 1
and Thoracic Emergency
Surgeries
Anesthesia for Trauma and 5 7.5 6 1 0.5
Orthopedics Surgeries
Anesthesia for Neurosurgery 4 6 4 1 1
Anesthesia for EENT and 4 6 4 1 1
Maxillofacial surgery
Pharmacology for Anesthetists 4 6 4 1 1
Anesthesia for Patients with 4 6 4 1 1
Coexisting disease
Regional Anesthesia and Pain 3 4.5 3 1 0.5
management
Emergency and Critical Care 3 4.5 3 1 0.5
2 Professionalism Introduction to Anesthesia II 3 4.5 3 1 0.5
and Ethics
3 Education, Research methods, Evidence 3 4.5 3 1 0.5
Research and Based Practice and Clinical Audit
Evidence based
Practice
4 Leadership and Leadership and Management 3 4.5 3 1 0.5
Management
5 Health Health Promotion and Disease 4 6 4 1 1
Promotion and Prevention
Disease
Prevention

Total 100 71 21 13

ANESTHESIA PROGRAM DATA COLLECTION (DCT) REPORT 38

 ANESTHESIA CURRICULUM MAP DETAILING MODULE CATEGORIES,
DOMAINS AND PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Year I Anesthesia Module Categories and Program Learning Outcomes

Course Course Title ECTS Module Learning Contribution to Domains of
Semester

Code Category Outcome Program Learning

Learning
Outcomes
I

FLEn Communicative 5 Generic Improve Effective Cognitive,

1011 English Skills communication communication Affective
1
skills in clinical
practice
Psch General 5 Generic Gain Understanding Cognitive
1011 Psychology foundational patient
1
knowledge in behavior
psychology
Math Mathematics for 5 Generic Develop Necessary for Cognitive,
1011 Natural Sciences mathematical medical Affective
1
skills for natural calculations
sciences
LoCT Critical Thinking 5 Generic Enhance critical Essential for Cognitive
1011 thinking abilities diagnostic and
1 clinical
decision-
making
Phys General Physics 5 Generic Learn Foundation for Cognitive,
1011 fundamental understanding Affective
1
physics concepts medical
equipment
SpSc Physical Fitness P/F Generic Promote physical Personal well- Cognitive
1011 health and being to handle
1
fitness medical
training
GeES Geography of 5 Generic Understand Contextual Psychomotor,
1011 Ethiopia and the geographical knowledge for Affective
1
Horn context of the community
region health
Course Course Title ECTS Module Learning Program Domains of
Semester

Code Category Outcome Learning Learning

II

Outcomes

ANESTHESIA PROGRAM DATA COLLECTION (DCT) REPORT 39