Short-term surgical missions to resource-limited settings in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic

Honeyman, Calum; Patel, Vinod; Almas, Fernando; Bradley, Daniel; Martin, Deborah A.; McGurk, Mark

doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2020.08.048

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…For many international collaborations that have been running for many years, the opportunity to support a transition to surgical care delivered by local surgeons, with additional funding support, could be considered [6]. In the short-term, some NGOs have switched to fundraise for PPE, hygiene products and basic medical equipment [1]. Additional support will also be required to support nutritional programmes, particularly for cleft lip and palate and in advance of major reconstructive surgery when international collaborations do begin again.…”

Section: Number Of Responsesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a widespread humanitarian crisis in most low-and middleincome countries (LMIC) around the world [1][2][3]. Many African countries, with fragile healthcare systems before the outbreak of COVID-19, have been amongst the worst affected.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Pre-pandemic, many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) routinely facilitated life-changing reconstructive surgery in Africa, using a collaborative international model to deliver patient care. Previously referred to as short-term reconstructive missions, these collaborations involved a partnership between visiting and local surgical teams [1,6]. The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the planning and provision of international reconstructive collaborations in Africa.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international reconstructive collaborations in Africa

et al. 2021

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Background The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has catalysed a widespread humanitarian crisis in many low- and middle-income countries around the world, with many African nations significantly impacted. The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the planning and provision of international reconstructive collaborations in Africa. Methods An anonymous, 14-question, multiple choice questionnaire was sent to 27 non-governmental organisations who regularly perform reconstructive surgery in Africa. The survey was open to responses for four weeks, closing on the 7 th of March 2021. A single reminder was sent out at 2 weeks. The survey covered four key domains: (1) NGO demographics; (2) the impact of COVID-19 on patient follow-up; (3) barriers to the safe provision of international surgical collaborations during COVID-19; (4) the impact of COVID-19 on NGO funding. Results A total of ten reconstructive NGOs completed the survey (response rate, 37%). Ethiopia ( n = 5) and Tanzania ( n = 4) were the countries where most collaborations took place. Plastic, reconstructive and burns surgery was the most common sub-speciality ( n = 7). For NGOs that did not have a year-round presence in country ( n = 8), only one NGO was able to perform reconstructive surgery in Africa during the pandemic. The most common barrier identified was travel restrictions (within country, n = 8 or country entry-exit, n = 7). Pre-pandemic, 1547 to ≥ 1800 patients received reconstructive surgery on international surgical collaborations. After the outbreak, 70% of NGOs surveyed had treated no patients, with approximately 1405 to ≥ 1640 patients left untreated over the last year. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has placed huge pressures on health services and their delivery across the globe. This theme has extended into international surgical collaborations leading to increased unmet surgical needs in low- and middle-income countries. Level of evidence: Not gradable. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00238-021-01892-4.

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Section: Number Of Responsesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international reconstructive collaborations in Africa

et al. 2021

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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Reconstructive Surgery and Training Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Dumont,

Modarressi,

Dumont

2024

WJPS

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Background: In Sub-Saharan Africa, which already faces challenges due to a lack of surgeons and facilities, the COVID-19 pandemic could significantly disrupt surgical activities and training programs. “2 nd Chance”, a non-governmental organization providing training program to enhance local reconstructive surgery capacity in this region since 2015, could play a crucial role in addressing these issues. We aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 on the activity of sub-Saharan African reconstructive surgeons collaborating with “2 nd Chance” organization and evaluate its effect on the organization’s training programs. Methods: In the course of 2022, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted among reconstructive surgeons working in sub-Saharan African countries and collaborating with “2 nd Chance”. The survey consisted of 57 questions covering demographics, impacts of COVID-19 on personal life, clinical and training activities. Results: Of 469 surgeons eligible for the study, 240 were included and 51 responded. The impact of COVID-19 was felt personally in terms of health and stress. Clinical activities were severely affected, with some reporting higher mortality due to surgical cancellations and delays. Regarding training, there was a shift from practical to theoretical learning, though overall impact was moderate. One-third of participants were able to attend “2 nd Chance” workshops. Among the 17 planned workshops, 9 were successfully conducted, and 4 of them exclusively featured African trainers. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic had substantial consequences on reconstructive surgery in sub-Saharan Africa, impacting more clinical practices than training programs. Collaboration between African and European trainers proved essential during the pandemic. In future pandemics, South-South collaborations should be prioritized.

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Short-term surgical missions to resource-limited settings in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic

Cited by 2 publications

References 4 publications

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international reconstructive collaborations in Africa

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international reconstructive collaborations in Africa

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Reconstructive Surgery and Training Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Cross-Sectional Survey

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