Bidirectional needs assessment of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery short‐term surgical trips to Ethiopia and Kenya

Abstract

Objectives: To create an otolaryngology-specific needs assessment tool for shortterm global surgical trips and to describe our findings from its implementation.Methods: Surveys 1 and 2 were developed based on a literature review and disseminated to Low-Middle Income (LMIC) hosting institutions in Kenya and Ethiopia and to High-Income surgical trip participants (HIC), respectively. Respondents were otolaryngologists identified online, through professional organizations, and by word-ofmouth, who had participated in a surgical trip of <4 weeks.Results: HIC and LMIC respondents shared similar goals of expanding host surgical skills through education and training while building sustainable partnerships. Discrepancies were identified between LMIC desired surgical skills and supply needs and HIC current practices. Microvascular reconstruction (17.6%), advanced otologic surgery (17.6%), and FESS (14.7%) were most desired skills and high-demand equipment needs were FESS sets (89%), endoscopes (78%), and surgical drills (56%). Frequently taught techniques included advanced otologic surgery (36.6%), congenital anomaly surgery (14.6%), and FESS (14.6%) with the largest gap between LMIC-need and HIC-offerings being in microvascular reconstruction (17.6% vs. 0%). We also highlight the discrepancy in expectations of responsibility for trip logistics, research, and patient follow-up. Conclusion:We created and implemented the first otolaryngology-specific needs assessment tool in the literature. With its implementation in Ethiopia and Kenya, we were able to identify unmet needs as well as attitudes and perceptions of LMIC and HIC participants. This tool may be adapted and utilized to assess specific needs, resources, and goals of both host and visiting teams to facilitate successful global partnerships.

Bidirectional needs assessment of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery short‐term surgical trips in Zimbabwe

“…Survey 2 respondents were identified via internet search and personal referral from the LMIC hosts. REDCap surveys were disseminated via email, which contained an introductory letter and survey link 6,7 . All respondents were informed that their responses may be used for research purposes and to facilitate connections between HIC and LMIC otolaryngologists with complementary skills and needs.…”

“… 4 , 5 An otolaryngology‐specific needs assessment was developed and implemented in parts of Africa. 6 In this study, we modified and applied a bidirectional otolaryngology‐specific needs assessment to otolaryngologists in Zimbabwe and previous visiting surgeons from HICs including the United States, Denmark, and South Korea. The objective of this study was to identify the educational and material needs of otolaryngologists in Zimbabwe and their HIC partners when collaborating in these partnerships.…”

“…A specialty‐specific needs assessment is a tool utilized by several surgical subspecialties to foster sustainable global partnerships by facilitating communication about goals, expectations, and anticipated barriers 4,5 . An otolaryngology‐specific needs assessment was developed and implemented in parts of Africa 6 . In this study, we modified and applied a bidirectional otolaryngology‐specific needs assessment to otolaryngologists in Zimbabwe and previous visiting surgeons from HICs including the United States, Denmark, and South Korea.…”

Outcomes of Short‐Term Surgical Trips in Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery: A Scoping Review

“…13 However, because of poorly characterized burden of disease, lack of coordination, minimal academic financial support, and limited prospective research, net positive outcomes from these efforts have been questioned. 12,[14][15][16] This scoping review aims to explore the current body of literature to identify key characteristics related to STSTs in OtoHNS and how they contribute to surgical, educational, and sustainability-based outcomes in LMICs. We aim to use these data to synthesize characteristics of STSTs that find sustainable and equitable success with the hopes of informing future global OtoHNS efforts.…”

“…Instead, there is a multitude of STSTs originating from HICs all over the world with the altruistic intention to treat those who lack access to good surgical care 13 . However, because of poorly characterized burden of disease, lack of coordination, minimal academic financial support, and limited prospective research, net positive outcomes from these efforts have been questioned 12,14–16 …”