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Smith ER, Espinoza P, Metcalf M, Ogbuoji O, Cotache-Condor C, Rice HE, Shrime MG. Modeling the global impact of reducing out-of-pocket costs for children's surgical care. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002872. [PMID: 38277421 PMCID: PMC10817198 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Over 1.7 billion children lack access to surgical care, mostly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with substantial risks of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE) and impoverishment. Increasing interest in reducing out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures as a tool to reduce the rate of poverty is growing. However, the impact of reducing OOP expenditures on CHE remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to estimate the global impact of reducing OOP expenditures for pediatric surgical care on the risk of CHE within and between countries. Our goal was to estimate the impact of reducing OOP expenditures for surgical care in children for 149 countries by modeling the risk of CHE under various scale-up scenarios using publicly available World Bank data. Scenarios included reducing OOP expenditures from baseline levels to paying 70%, 50%, 30%, and 10% of OOP expenditures. We also compared the impact of these reductions across income quintiles (poorest, poor, middle, rich, richest) and differences by country income level (low-income, lower-middle-income, upper-middle-income, and high-income countries).Reducing OOP expenditures benefited people from all countries and income quintiles, although the benefits were not equal. The risk of CHE due to a surgical procedure for children was highest in low-income countries. An unexpected observation was that upper-middle income countries were at higher risk for CHE than LMICs. The most vulnerable regions were Africa and Latin America. Across all countries, the poorest quintile had the greatest risk for CHE. Increasing interest in financial protection programs to reduce OOP expenditures is growing in many areas of global health. Reducing OOP expenditures benefited people from all countries and income quintiles, although the benefits were not equal across countries, wealth groups, or even by wealth groups within countries. Understanding these complexities is critical to develop appropriate policies to minimize the risks of poverty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Smith
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Duke Center for Global Surgery and Health Equity, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Pamela Espinoza
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Madeline Metcalf
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Osondu Ogbuoji
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Duke Center for Policy Impact in Global Health, Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Population Health, Duke School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Cesia Cotache-Condor
- Duke Center for Global Surgery and Health Equity, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Henry E. Rice
- Duke Center for Global Surgery and Health Equity, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mark G. Shrime
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Mercy Ships, Tyler, Texas, United States of America
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Abbas A, Rice HE, Poenaru D, Samad L. Defining Feasibility as a Criterion for Essential Surgery: A Qualitative Study with Global Children's Surgery Experts. World J Surg 2023; 47:3083-3092. [PMID: 37838634 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-023-07203-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Disease Control Priorities (DCP-3) group defines surgery as essential if it addresses a significant burden, is cost-effective, and is feasible-yet the feasibility component remains largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to develop a precise definition of feasibility for essential surgical procedures for children. METHODS Four online focus group discussions (FGDs) were organized among 19 global children's surgery providers with experience of working in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs), representing 10 countries. FGDs were transcribed verbatim, and qualitative data analysis was performed. Codes, categories, themes, and subthemes were identified. RESULTS Six determinants of feasibility were identified, including: adequate human resources; adequate material resources; procedure and disease complexity; team commitment and understanding of their setting; timely access to care; and the ability to monitor and achieve good outcomes. Factors unique to feasibility of children's surgery included children's right to health and their reliance on adults for accessing safe and timely care; the need for specialist workforce; and children's unique perioperative care needs. FGD participants reported a greater need for task-sharing and shifting, creativity, and adaptability in resource-limited settings. Resource availability was seen to have a direct impact on decision-making and prioritization, e.g., saving a life versus achieving the best outcome. CONCLUSIONS The identification of a precise definition of feasibility serves as a pivotal step in identifying a list of essential surgical procedures for children, which would serve as indicators of institutional surgical capacity for this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alizeh Abbas
- Center for Essential Surgical and Acute Care, Global Health Directorate, Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan.
- Department of Surgery, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
| | - Henry E Rice
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Dan Poenaru
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Shetty R, Zadey S, Jindal A, Iyer H, Dubey S, Jesudian G, Smith ER, Staton CA, Fitzgerald TN, Vissoci JRN. Prioritization of surgical, obstetric, trauma, and anesthesia care in India over seven decades: A systematic analysis of policy documents. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002084. [PMID: 37523346 PMCID: PMC10389714 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Improving access to surgical care in India requires policy-level prioritization of surgical, obstetric, trauma, and anesthesia (SOTA) care. We quantified SOTA care prioritization in the last seven decades by analyzing India's national policy and programmatic documents. Forty documents of national importance over seven decades (1946-2017) were screened for a set of 52 surgical and 6 non-surgical keywords. The number of mentions per keyword was used as a proxy for surgical prioritization. For thematic analysis, surgical mentions were further classified into five domains: Infrastructure, Workforce, Service Delivery, Financing, and Information Management. The total number of mentions was 4681 for the surgical keywords and 2322 for non-surgical. The number of mentions per keyword was 90.02 for surgical keywords and 387 for non-surgical. The older committee reports showed relatively higher SOTA care prioritization compared to the years after 2010. Among the domains, Service Delivery (897) had the maximum number of mentions followed by Infrastructure (545), Workforce (516), Financing (98), and Information Management (40). National Health Policy 2017, the most recent high-level policy, grossly neglected SOTA care. SOTA care is inadequately prioritized in Indian national health policies, especially in the documents after 2010. Concerted efforts are necessary to improve the focus on financing and information management. Prioritization can be improved through a stand-alone national plan for SOTA care along with integration into existing policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Shetty
- Association for Socially Applicable Research (ASAR), Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Terna Medical College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Siddhesh Zadey
- Association for Socially Applicable Research (ASAR), Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Global Emergency Medicine Innovation and Implementation (GEMINI) Research Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital, and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anushka Jindal
- Association for Socially Applicable Research (ASAR), Pune, Maharashtra, India
- King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom
| | - Himanshu Iyer
- Association for Socially Applicable Research (ASAR), Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Department of Surgery, Khurshitji Beharamji Bhabha Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sweta Dubey
- Association for Socially Applicable Research (ASAR), Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gnanaraj Jesudian
- Department of EIE, Karunya University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Association of Rural Surgeons of India/International Federation of Rural Surgeons-Rural Surgery Research and Training Center, Shanthi Bhavan Medical Center, Jharkhand, India
| | - Emily R Smith
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Global Emergency Medicine Innovation and Implementation (GEMINI) Research Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Catherine A Staton
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Global Emergency Medicine Innovation and Implementation (GEMINI) Research Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Tamara N Fitzgerald
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Global Emergency Medicine Innovation and Implementation (GEMINI) Research Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
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Smith ER, Kapoor P, Concepcion T, Ramirez T, Mohamed M, Dahir S, Cotache-Condor C, Adan Ismail E, Rice HE, Shrime MG. Does reducing out-of-pocket costs for children's surgical care protect families from poverty in Somaliland? A cross-sectional, national, economic evaluation modelling study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069572. [PMID: 37130683 PMCID: PMC10163539 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An estimated 1.7 billion children around the world do not have access to safe, affordable and timely surgical care, with the financing through out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses being one of the main barriers to care. Our study modelled the impact of reducing OOP costs related to surgical care for children in Somaliland on the risk of catastrophic expenditures and impoverishment. DESIGN AND SETTING This cross-sectional nationwide economic evaluation modelled several different approaches to reduction of paediatric OOP surgical costs in Somaliland. PARTICIPANTS AND OUTCOME MEASURES A surgical record review of all procedures on children up to 15 years old was conducted at 15 surgically capable hospitals. We modelled two rates of OOP cost reduction (reduction of OOP proportion from 70% to 50% and from 70% to 30% reduction in OOP costs) across five wealth quintiles (poorest, poor, neutral, rich, richest) and two geographical areas (urban and rural). The outcome measures of the study are catastrophic expenditures and risk of impoverishment due to surgery. We followed the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards. RESULTS We found that the risk of catastrophic and impoverishing expenditures related to OOP expenditures for paediatric surgery is high across Somaliland, but most notable in the rural areas and among the poorest quintiles. Reducing OOP expenses for surgical care to 30% would protect families in the richest wealth quintiles while minimally affecting the risk of catastrophic expenditure and impoverishment for those in the lowest wealth quintiles, particularly those in rural areas. CONCLUSION Our models suggest that the poorest communities in Somaliland lack protection against the risk of catastrophic health expenditure and impoverishment, even if OOP payments are reduced to 30% of surgical costs. A comprehensive financial protection in addition to reduction of OOP costs is required to prevent risk of impoverishment in these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Smith
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Pranav Kapoor
- Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Tessa Concepcion
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Treasure Ramirez
- Department of Economics, Hanmaker School of Business, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Mubarak Mohamed
- Department of Surgery, Edna Adan University Hospital, Hargeisa, Somaliland
| | - Shukri Dahir
- Department of Surgery, Edna Adan University Hospital, Hargeisa, Somaliland
| | - Cesia Cotache-Condor
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Edna Adan Ismail
- Founder and Director, Edna Adan University Hospital, Hargeisa, Somaliland
| | - Henry E Rice
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mark G Shrime
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Mercy Ships, Tyler, Texas, USA
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Ademuyiwa AO, Nwomeh BC, Poenaru D, Seyi-Olajide JO, Ademuyiwa IY, Odugbemi TO, Abazie O, Ladipo-Ajayi OA, Bankole O, Elebute OA, Okusanya B, Alakaloko FM, Alabi EO, Makanjuola A, Gupta S, Tran T, Onwuka A A, Smith ER, Pius R, Harrison E, Bode CO. Picture Cards Versus Physical Examination: A Proof-of-Concept Study to Improve the SOSAS Survey Tool. J Surg Res 2023; 284:186-192. [PMID: 36580879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.11.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Needs (SOSAS) survey tool is used to determine the unmet surgical needs in the community and has been validated in several countries. A major weakness is the absence of an objective assessment to verify patient-reported surgically treatable conditions. The goal of this study was to determine whether a picture portfolio, a tool previously shown to improve parental recognition of their child's congenital deformity, could improve the accuracy of the SOSAS tool by how it compares with physical examination. This study focused on children as many surgical conditions in them require prompt treatment but are often not promptly diagnosed. METHODS We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional community-based study to determine the prevalence of congenital and acquired surgical conditions among children and adults in a mixed rural-urban area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. The picture portfolio was administered only to children and the surgical conditions to be assessed were predetermined using an e-Delphi process among pediatric surgeons. The modified The Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Needs-Nigeria Survey Tool (SOSAS-NST) was administered to household members to collect other relevant data. Data were analyzed using the REDCap analytic tool. RESULTS Eight hundred and fifty-six households were surveyed. There were 1984 adults (49.5%) and 2027 children (50.5%). Thirty-six children met the predetermined criteria for the picture portfolio-hydrocephalus (n = 1); lymphatic malformation (n = 1); umbilical hernia (n = 14); Hydrocele (n = 5); inguinal hernia (n = 10) and undescended testes (n = 5). The picture portfolio predicted all correctly except a case of undescended testis that was mistaken for a hernia. The sensitivity of the picture portfolio was therefore 35/36 or 97.2%. CONCLUSIONS The SOSAS-NST has improved on the original SOSAS tool and within the limits of the small numbers, the picture portfolio has a high accuracy in predicting diagnosis in children in lieu of physical examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adesoji O Ademuyiwa
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Paediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.
| | | | - Dan Poenaru
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Justina O Seyi-Olajide
- Paediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Iyabo Y Ademuyiwa
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Tinuola O Odugbemi
- Department of Community Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ogechi Abazie
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Oluwaseun A Ladipo-Ajayi
- Paediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olufemi Bankole
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olumide A Elebute
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Paediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Babasola Okusanya
- Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos & Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Felix M Alakaloko
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Eyitayo O Alabi
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ayomide Makanjuola
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria; General Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Shailvi Gupta
- Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Centre and University of Maryland Medical System, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tu Tran
- University of Minnesota, Minnesota
| | | | - Emily R Smith
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Riinu Pius
- Department of Surgery, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Christopher O Bode
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria; Paediatric Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
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Kwasau H, Kamanda J, Lebbie A, Cotache-Condor C, Espinoza P, Grimm A, Wright N, Smith E. Prevalence and outcomes of pediatric surgical conditions at Connaught Hospital in Freetown: a retrospective study. WORLD JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY 2023; 6:e000473. [PMID: 38328392 PMCID: PMC10848619 DOI: 10.1136/wjps-2022-000473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sub-Saharan Africa experiences a disproportionate amount of pediatric surgical disease, with 80% of children lacking access to timely, affordable, and safe surgical care. This study aims to characterize the burden of disease and outcomes of pediatric surgical conditions at Connaught Hospital, the main pediatric referral hospital in Sierra Leone. Methods This retrospective and hospital-based study included children up to 15 years old who were operated on between 2015 and June 2016 at Connaught Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to characterize the distribution of disease and compare all variables against age category and mortality. Findings A total of 215 patients were included in this study of which 72.5% (n=132) were male and 27.5% (n=50) were female. Most of the patients were diagnosed with congenital anomalies (60.9%; n=131). However, infection was the leading diagnosis (60.5%; n=23) among patients aged 5-10 years (n=38). Inguinal hernia was the leading condition (65.0%; n=85) among patients presenting with a congenital anomaly. The condition with the highest mortality was infections (17.0%; n=8), followed by other conditions (9.1%; n=2) and congenital anomalies (3.1%; n=4). Based on the results of this study, over 7000 children with inguinal hernias remain untreated annually in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Conclusion This study quantifies the burden of surgical disease among children, a foundational step toward the prioritization of pediatric surgical care in national health agendas, the development of evidence-based interventions, and the strategic allocation of resources in Sierra Leone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henang Kwasau
- Department of Community Health, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Juliana Kamanda
- Department of Community Health, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Aiah Lebbie
- Department of Community Health, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Cesia Cotache-Condor
- Department of Surgery, Duke School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Center for Global Surgery and Health Equity, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Pamela Espinoza
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andie Grimm
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Naomi Wright
- King’s Centre for Global Health and Health Partnerships, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily Smith
- Department of Surgery, Duke School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Center for Global Surgery and Health Equity, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Nuss S, Cahill GL, Limenh W, Wiedermann J. Developing Consensus on Priority Pediatric Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Conditions and Procedures. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023. [PMID: 36939625 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop an international expert consensus on priority pediatric otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) conditions and procedures for which all national health systems globally should be capable of managing. STUDY DESIGN The Delphi method is a multiround online questionnaire and was administered internationally to otolaryngologists with a focus on pediatric populations. This study was administered in parallel to a Delphi survey focusing on adult OHNS conditions amongst adult otolaryngology experts. SETTING International online survey. METHODS In round 1, participants listed the top 15 pediatric otolaryngological conditions and top 15 pediatric otolaryngology procedures for their World Bank region. In round 2, participants ranked round 1 responses in order of global importance on a 5-point Likert scale. In round 3, participants reranked conditions and procedures that did not achieve consensus, defined as at least 70% of the round 2 Likert responses being ranked as either "important" or "very important." Descriptive statistics were calculated for each round. RESULTS The survey was distributed to 35 experts globally, with a 40% (n = 14) response rate. Fifty percent (n = 7) of participants were from low- and middle-income countries, with at least 1 participant from each World Bank region. A list of 28 consensus surgical procedures and 11 consensus conditions were identified. CONCLUSION This Delphi survey method of world experts in pediatric otolaryngology identified a core list of medical conditions and surgical procedures that should be a part of every national health system's clinical goals of treatment, research, and capacity building.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nuss
- Global Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Initiative, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Gabrielle L Cahill
- Global Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Initiative, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,University of California Los Angeles Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Wale Limenh
- Global Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Initiative, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, St. Paul Hospital, Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Joshua Wiedermann
- Global Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Initiative, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Dahir S, Cotache-Condor C, Grimm A, Mohamed M, Rice H, Smith E, Ismail EA. Delays in care for hydrocephalus and spina bifida at a tertiary hospital in Somaliland. WORLD JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY 2023; 6:e000472. [PMID: 38328393 PMCID: PMC10848631 DOI: 10.1136/wjps-2022-000472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Childhood neurosurgical conditions such as hydrocephalus and spina bifida represent a significant burden of death and disability worldwide, particularly in low and middle-income countries. However, there are limited data on the disease prevalence and delays in care for pediatric neurosurgical conditions in very low-resource settings. This study aims to characterize the delays in access to care for pediatric neurosurgical conditions in Somaliland. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all children with congenital hydrocephalus and spina bifida admitted to the Edna University Hospital (EAUH) in Somaliland between 2011 and 2018. Patient demographics were analyzed with descriptive statistics and χ2 test statistics. We defined delays in care for each condition based on standard care in high-income settings. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to evaluate predictors of delay in care. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results A total of 344 children were admitted to EAUH with neurosurgical conditions from 2011 to 2018. The most common condition was congenital hydrocephalus (62%). Delays in care were found for 90% of patients and were associated with the type of diagnosis and region. The longest delay among children with spina bifida was 60 months, while the longest delay for children with congenital hydrocephalus was 36 months. Children with congenital hydrocephalus or spina bifida traveling from foreign countries had the highest waiting time to receive care, with a median delay of 8 months (IQR: 5-11 months) and 4 months (IQR: 3-7 months), respectively. Conclusion We found significant delays in care for children with neurosurgical conditions in Somaliland. This country has an urgent need to scale up its surgical infrastructure, workforce, and referral pathways to address the needs of children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shukri Dahir
- Edna Adan University Hospital, Hargeisa, Somaliland
| | | | - Andie Grimm
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | | | - Henry Rice
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emily Smith
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Staged surgical approach of neonates with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula from low- and middle-income countries. Pediatr Surg Int 2022; 39:67. [PMID: 36576586 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-022-05351-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonates born in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) often do not have access to adequate surgical care. We have partnered with the non-profit organization World Pediatric Project (WPP) to facilitate care for such patients. METHODS Our protocol included placement of a gastrostomy tube by local surgeons before definitive repair at the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU (CHoR). The outcomes of WPP-sponsored patients with EA and TEF in this program (n = 9) were compared to patients born in the U.S. with the same condition at CHoR (n = 9). RESULTS The baseline characteristics of the groups aside from the age at admission to CHoR and at day of surgery were comparable (0.5 ± 1.3 days vs. 15.3 ± 11.1 days, p < 0.0001; 1.1 ± 3.9 days vs. 37.3 ± 8.3 days, p < 0.0001, respectively). All patients received definitive repair without mortality; the average length of stay after surgery was lower in the WPP group. There were 4 surgical complications in the U.S. group and 1 in WPP group. All patients were weaned off of TPN and all WPP patients are now on a regular PO diet. Every WPP patient has been seen in follow-up in the U.S. and in their home country. CONCLUSION We provided successful multidisciplinary care for neonates with EA and TEF from LMICs with outcomes similar to the neonates with the same abnormality in the U.S. The partnership with WPP has been invaluable as it has provided essential support to identify and manage these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV.
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10
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Kelly T, Hurst A. Can expired drugs be used ethically in low- to middle-income countries: Treating pediatric hemophilia. J Pediatr 2022:S0022-3476(22)01021-6. [PMID: 36402435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Kelly
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA.
| | - Ashley Hurst
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA
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11
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Zadey S, Sonal S, Iyer H, Baxy H, Smith ER, Staton CA, Fitzgerald TN, Nickenig Vissoci JR. Roadblocks and solutions to planning surgical care for a billion Indians. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-010292. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-010292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Maia VO, Pavarino E, Guidio LT, de Souza JPD, Ruano R, Schmidt AF, Fabbro ALD, Sbragia L. Crossing birth and mortality data as a clue for prevalence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in Sao Paulo State: A cross sectional study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 14:100328. [PMID: 36777389 PMCID: PMC9903978 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2022.100328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe embryological defect that causes pulmonary hypoplasia and hypertension. The prevalence and mortality rate of CDH varies around the world and little information is available about CDH in Latin America. Our aim was to estimate the general prevalence, mortality rate, prevalence of associated anomalies and features related to the outcomes of CDH in newborns from São Paulo state, Brazil. Methods Population-based cross-sectional study based on data gathered from the Live Births Information System (SINASC) and the Mortality Information System (SIM) of children born in São Paulo state between January 1st, 2006, and December 31st, 2017. Findings From 7,311,074 total survival discharges between 2006 and 2017, 1,155 were CDH-related, resulting in a prevalence rate of 1:6329 (95%CI = 1/6715 - 1/5984) and a mortality rate of 63·72% (95%CI = 60.95 - 66.50), 510 presented complex associated anomalies (44·15%). Maternal data showed higher prevalence among older mothers (older than 35 years old: 2·13 per 10,000) and, also, women with more years of schooling (higher than 12 years: 1·99 per 10,000). Presence of associated anomalies (95%CI = 5.69-11.10), 1-min Apgar (95%CI = 1.44-2.95), maternal schooling (95%CI = 1.06-2.43) and birth weight (95%CI = 1.04-2.26) were the most significant features associated with mortality. Interpretation There was 1 CDH case for every 6329 newborns in São Paulo and the mortality rate among those cases was 63·72% - a high rate compared to other countries. Funding This study didn't receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Oliveira Maia
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Pavarino
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro Tonderys Guidio
- Medical School of Bauru, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Dias de Souza
- Department of Social Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Ruano
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Augusto Frederico Schmidt
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Amaury Lelis Dal Fabbro
- Department of Social Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lourenço Sbragia
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil,Corresponding author at: Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo. Av. Bandeirantes 3900 - Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP Zipcode: 14049-900, Brazil.
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Vigliotti VS, Concepcion T, Mohamed M, Dahir S, Ismail EA, Poenaru D, Rice HE, Smith ER. Modeling the Scale-up of Surgical Services for Children with Surgically Treatable Congenital Conditions in Somaliland. World J Surg 2022; 46:2489-2497. [PMID: 35838776 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-022-06651-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital conditions comprise a significant portion of the global burden of surgical conditions in children. In Somaliland, over 250,000 children do not receive required surgical care annually, although the estimated costs and benefits of scale-up of children's surgical services to address this disease burden is not known. METHODS We developed a Markov model using a decision tree template to project the costs and benefits of scale-up of surgical care for children across Somaliland. We used a proxy set of congenital anomalies across Somaliland to estimate scale-up costs using three different scale-up rates. The cost-effectiveness ratio and net societal monetary benefit were estimated using these models, supported by disability weights in existing literature. RESULTS Overall, we found that scale-up of surgical services at an aggressive rate (22.5%) over a 10-year time horizon is cost effective. Although the scale-up of surgical care for most conditions in the proxy set was cost effective, scale-up of hydrocephalus and spina bifida are not as cost effective as other conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis concludes that it is cost effective to scale-up surgical services for congenital anomalies for children in Somaliland.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shugri Dahir
- Edna Adan University Hospital, Hargeisa, Somaliland
| | | | | | - Henry E Rice
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Emily R Smith
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. .,Duke Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA.
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Defining Surgical Workforce Density Targets to Meet Child and Neonatal Mortality Rate Targets in the Age of the Sustainable Development Goals: A Global Cross-Sectional Study. World J Surg 2022; 46:2262-2269. [PMID: 35752679 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-022-06626-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To reduce preventable deaths of newborns and children, the United Nations set a target rate per 1000 live births of 12 for neonatal mortality (NMR) and 25 for under-5 mortality (U5MR). The purpose of this paper is to define the minimum surgical workforce needed to meet these targets and evaluate the relative impact of increasing surgeon, anesthesia, and obstetrician (SAO) density on reducing child mortality. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of 192 countries to define the association between surgical workforce density and U5MR as well as NMR using unadjusted and adjusted B-spline regression, adjusting for common non-surgical causes of childhood mortality. We used these models to estimate the minimum surgical workforce to meet the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for U5MR and NMR and marginal effects plots to determine over which range of SAO densities the largest impact is seen as countries scale-up SAO workforce. RESULTS We found that increased SAO density is associated with decreased U5MR and NMR (P < 0.05), adjusting for common non-surgical causes of child mortality. A minimum SAO density of 10 providers per 100,000 population (95% CI: 7-13) is associated with an U5MR of < 25 per 1000 live births. A minimum SAO density of 12 (95% CI: 9-20) is associated with an NMR of < 12 per 1000 live births. The maximum decrease in U5MR, on the basis of our adjusted B-spline model, occurs from 0 to 20 SAO per 100,000 population. The maximum decrease in NMR based on our adjusted B-spline model occurs up from 0 to 18 SAO, with additional decrease seen up to 80 SAO. CONCLUSIONS Scale-up of the surgical workforce to 12 SAO per 100,000 population may help health systems meet the SDG goals for childhood mortality rates. Increases in up to 80 SAO/100,000 continue to offer mortality benefit for neonates and would help to achieve the SDGs for neonatal mortality reduction.
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Over the course of approximately 60 years, the field of pediatric urology has evolved as a convergence of pediatric surgery, urology, and plastic surgery to address congenital anomalies of the urinary tract and genitalia in children. Guidelines for training and certification are narrowing in high-income countries (HICs) at the same time as the fertility rate is declining and the prevalence of complex genitourinary (GU) conditions is decreasing. In low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), health systems for large populations are currently in a state of stress. Here we briefly review the history of pediatric urology as a surgical subspecialty, identify unmet needs especially in LMICs and place the field in the context of a global surgical ecosystem. METHODS The English language literature on workforce trends in pediatric urology, pediatric surgery and urology was reviewed as well as development of the emerging field of global surgery. Global surgery looks at the social, economic and political context of health systems as well as unmet clinical need. World trends in fertility rates were reviewed to identify regions of workforce surplus and gaps, supply chain needs, infrastructure and systems strengths and weaknesses. RESULTS The proliferation of training programs in pediatric surgery and specialties in high-income countries (HICs) coupled with declining birth rates has led to a saturation of specialists and declining surgical case load. In LMICs, while the birth rate has also been declining, surgical specialization has not progressed. In the lowest income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, training in pediatric surgical specialties and urology is rare. The broad workforce that supports surgical care, such as anesthesia, intensivist pediatrics, radiology, laboratory, and nursing face similar challenges. Supply chains for specialized pediatric urological surgery are weak. CONCLUSION There is an evolving maldistribution of pediatric surgical and pediatric urological workforce globally, with too few practitioners in LMICs and too many in HICs. The high cost of specialized equipment limits access to quality care, and the supply chain for consumables and medication is patchy. In LIC's, basic community-based infrastructure for health including reliable electricity is lacking. Recent experience with Covid and environmental disasters has highlighted that even in HICs surgical resilience can be challenged. This is an opportunity to consider the state of children's urological care globally and to build resilience by identifying and addressing strengths and gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine R deVries
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Center for Global Surgery, 30 N. 1900 E RM 3B110 SOM, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
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16
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Kang HS, Robertson E, Vohra H, Richter W, Lanning D, DeAntonio J. Providing care to children from low and middle-income countries with complex surgical problems: An 18 year review. J Pediatr Surg 2022; 57:824-828. [PMID: 35105455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.12.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The burden of surgical disease in children from low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is becoming more recognized as significant and undertreated. We recently reviewed our health system's experience with providing quaternary-level surgical care to children from LMICs through a partnership with World Pediatric Project (WPP), a not-for-profit organization. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of all WPP-sponsored patients who received surgical care at our children's hospital from LMICs in the Caribbean and Central America from July 2000 to August 2018. RESULTS Two hundred and fifty-five patients (average age: 5.9 ± 5.3 years; range: <1-18 years) from 14 countries received a total of 371 moderately to significantly complex operations from 10 pediatric surgical subspecialties, with cardiac, neurosurgery, craniofacial and general/thoracic surgical subspecialties being the most common. The average length of hospital stay was 10.7 ± 18.9 days. All patients had the opportunity to follow-up with local providers and/or visiting WPP-sponsored surgical teams. 227 patients (93.8%) were seen by WPP providers or released to an in-country physician partnering with WPP. There were 21 (8.2%) total, minor and major, postoperative complications. Five deaths (2.0%) occurred at our institution and 7 from disease progression, after returning to their home country. CONCLUSIONS Providing complex surgical care to LMIC children in the US may help address a significant global burden. This care can be provided by multiple subspecialists with excellent outcomes, good follow-up, and low complication and mortality rates. Having a supportive health care system, volunteer surgeons, and an organization that manages logistics and provides financial support is essential. TYPE OF STUDY Clinical research, retrospective review LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Sung Kang
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Health, Richmond, VA
| | | | | | | | - David Lanning
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Health, Richmond, VA; World Pediatric Project, Richmond, VA.
| | - Jonathan DeAntonio
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Health, Richmond, VA
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Financing Pediatric Surgery: A Provider's Perspective from the Global Initiative for Children's Surgery. World J Surg 2022; 46:1220-1234. [PMID: 35175384 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-022-06463-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Half the world's population is at risk of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE, out-of-pocket spending of more than 10% of annual expenditure) should they require surgery. Protection against CHE is a key indicator of successful health care delivery and has been identified as a priority area by the Global Initiative for Children's Surgery (GICS). Data specific to pediatric surgical patients is limited. This study examines the financial risks for pediatric surgical patients and their families from a provider's perspective. METHODS We surveyed GICS members about the existing financial protection mechanisms and estimated expenditures for their patients. Questions were structured based on the National Surgical, Obstetric and Anesthesia Planning Surgical Indicators and finalized based on multi-institutional consensus between high-income country and low-and middle-income country (LMIC) providers. Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test and student's t-test were used as appropriate. RESULTS Among 107 respondents, 72.4% were from low income or lower-middle income (LIC/LMIC) countries, and 55.1% were attending or consultant physicians. Families were most likely to decline surgery in LIC/LMIC due to inability to afford treatment (mean Likert = 3.77 ± 1.06). The odds of incurring CHE after children's surgery are up to 17 times greater in LIC/LMIC (P = 0.001, unadjusted OR 17.28, 95%CI 2.13-140.02). Over 50% of families of children undergoing major surgery in these settings face CHE. An estimated 5.1% of providers in LIC/LMIC and 56.2% (P < 0.001) of providers in UMIC/HIC reported that families are able to pay for their direct medical costs with the assistance available to them and were more likely to sell assets (74.4% vs. 33.3%, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION Patients in LMICs are at greater risk for CHE and have less financial risk protection than their HIC counterparts. Given this disparity, intervention is needed to make safe surgery affordable for children worldwide.
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Paediatric surgical outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2020-004406. [PMID: 34475022 PMCID: PMC8413881 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As childhood mortality from infectious diseases falls across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the burden of disease attributed to surgical conditions is increasing. However, limited data exist on paediatric surgical outcomes in SSA. We compared the outcomes of five common paediatric surgical conditions in SSA with published benchmark data from high-income countries (HICs). METHODS A multicentre, international, prospective cohort study was undertaken in hospitals providing paediatric surgical care across SSA. Data were collected on consecutive children (birth to 16 years), presenting with gastroschisis, anorectal malformation, intussusception, appendicitis or inguinal hernia, over a minimum of 1 month, between October 2016 and April 2017. Participating hospitals completed a survey on their resources available for paediatric surgery.The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality. Mortality in SSA was compared with published benchmark mortality in HICs using χ2 analysis. Generalised linear mixed models were used to identify patient-level and hospital-level factors affecting mortality. A p<0.05 was deemed significant. RESULTS 1407 children from 51 hospitals in 19 countries across SSA were studied: 111 with gastroschisis, 188 anorectal malformation, 225 intussusception, 250 appendicitis and 633 inguinal hernia. Mortality was significantly higher in SSA compared with HICs for all conditions: gastroschisis (75.5% vs 2.0%), anorectal malformation (11.2% vs 2.9%), intussusception (9.4% vs 0.2%), appendicitis (0.4% vs 0.0%) and inguinal hernia (0.2% vs 0.0%), respectively. Mortality was 41.9% (112/267) among neonates, 5.0% (20/403) in infants and 1.0% (7/720) in children. Paediatric surgical condition, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score at primary intervention, and needing/receiving a blood transfusion were significantly associated with mortality on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION Mortality from common paediatric surgical conditions is unacceptably high in SSA compared with HICs, particularly for neonates. Interventions to reduce mortality should focus on improving resuscitation and timely transfer at the district level, and preoperative resuscitation and perioperative care at paediatric surgical centres.
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Tsang VWL, Luo LH, Kisa P, Blair GK. Ten Global Surgical Care Statements for Children: examining our commitment to the future. Pediatr Surg Int 2021; 37:957-964. [PMID: 33689002 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-021-04875-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of access to essential surgery for many of our world's children is a global health crisis. A third of all deaths in the pediatric population are due to surgical conditions. In low- and middle-income countries, an average of nine in ten children lack access to basic surgical care. METHODS This review examines ten commitment statements ratified by numerous global pediatric surgical organizations aimed at addressing existing gaps in global surgical care for children. They are substantiated by a review of literature and represent over-arching principles. RESULTS They prompt the recognition of childhood surgical disease as a global health priority and advocate for availability to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Calls to action highlight the importance of capacity building in the areas of education, data gathering, workforce, research, and international collaborations. DISCUSSION Eventually, there is the hope for widespread approval of the guiding principles they represent and that the statements themselves, as encapsulations of these beliefs, may act as a continued call for advocacy and action for the necessary work, resources, and funding to mitigate global pediatric surgical disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian W L Tsang
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Lerly H Luo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Phyllis Kisa
- Department of Surgery, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Geoffrey K Blair
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Landrum K, Cotache-Condor CF, Liu Y, Truche P, Robinson J, Thompson N, Granzin R, Ameh E, Bickler S, Samad L, Meara J, Rice HE, Smith ER. Global and regional overview of the inclusion of paediatric surgery in the national health plans of 124 countries: an ecological study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045981. [PMID: 34135040 PMCID: PMC8211076 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study evaluates the priority given to surgical care for children within national health policies, strategies and plans (NHPSPs). PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING We reviewed the NHPSPs available in the WHO's Country Planning Cycle Database. Countries with NHPSPs in languages different from English, Spanish, French or Chinese were excluded. A total of 124 countries met the inclusion criteria. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES We searched for child-specific and surgery-specific terms in the NHPSPs' missions, goals and strategies using three analytic approaches: (1) count of the total number of mentions, (2) count of the number of policies with no mentions and (3) count of the number of policies with five or more mentions. Outcomes were compared across WHO regional and World Bank income-level classifications. RESULTS We found that the most frequently mentioned terms were 'child*', 'infant*' and 'immuniz*'. The most frequently mentioned surgery term was 'surg*'. Overall, 45% of NHPSPs discussed surgery and 7% discussed children's surgery. The majority (93%) of countries did not mention selected essential and cost-effective children's procedures. When stratified by WHO region and World Bank income level, the West Pacific region led the inclusion of 'pediatric surgery' in national health plans, with 17% of its countries mentioning this term. Likewise, low-income countries led the inclusion of surg* and 'pediatric surgery', with 63% and 11% of countries mentioning these terms, respectively. In both stratifications, paediatric surgery only equated to less than 1% of the total terms. CONCLUSION The low prevalence of children's surgical search terms in NHPSPs indicates that the influence of surgical care for this population remains low in the majority of countries. Increased awareness of children's surgical needs in national health plans might constitute a critical step to scale up surgical system in these countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Landrum
- Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Yingling Liu
- Department of Sociology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Paul Truche
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia Robinson
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Nealey Thompson
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Ryann Granzin
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Emmanuel Ameh
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Steve Bickler
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lubna Samad
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - John Meara
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Henry E Rice
- Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emily R Smith
- Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
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Concepcion TL, Dahir S, Mohamed M, Hiltbrunn K, Ismail EA, Poenaru D, Rice HE, Smith ER. Barriers to Surgical Care Among Children in Somaliland: An Application of the Three Delays Framework. World J Surg 2021; 44:1712-1718. [PMID: 32030443 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-020-05414-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are complex barriers that increase delays to surgical care in low- and middle-income countries, particularly among the vulnerable population of children. Understanding these barriers to surgical care can result in targeted and strategic intervention efforts to improve care for children. The three-delay model is a widely used framework in global health for evaluating barriers associated with seeking (D1), reaching (D2), and receiving health care (D3). The goal of our study is to evaluate reasons for delays in the surgical care for children in Somaliland using the three-delay framework. METHODS Data were collected in a cross-sectional study in Somaliland from 1503 children through a household survey. Among children with a surgical need, we quantified the number of children seeking, reaching, and receiving care along the surgical care continuum, according to the three-delay framework. We evaluated predictors of the three delays through a multivariate logistic regression model, including the child's age, gender, village type, household income level, region, and household size. RESULTS Of the 196 children identified with a surgical condition, 50 (27.3%) children had a delay in seeking care (D1), 28 (20.6%) children had a delay in reaching care (D2), and 84 (71.2%) children had a delay in receiving care (D3), including 10 children who also experienced D1 and D2. The main reasons cited for D1 included seeking a traditional healthcare provider, while lack of money and availability of care were main reasons cited for D2. Significant predictors for delays included household size for D1 and D3 and condition type and region for D2. CONCLUSION Children in Somaliland experience several barriers to surgical care along the entire continuum of care, allowing for policy guidance tailored to specific local challenges and resources. Since delays in surgical care for children can substantially impact the effectiveness of surgical interventions, viewing delays in surgical care under the lens of the three-delay framework can inform strategic interventions along the pediatric surgical care continuum, thereby reducing delays and improving the quality of surgical care for children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shukri Dahir
- Edna Adan University Hospital, Hargeisa, Somaliland
| | | | - Kyle Hiltbrunn
- Department of Public Health, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, 1621 S. 5th Street, Waco, TX, 76706, USA
| | | | | | - Henry E Rice
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Emily R Smith
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. .,Department of Public Health, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, 1621 S. 5th Street, Waco, TX, 76706, USA.
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22
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Abdul-Mumin A, Cotache-Condor C, Owusu SA, Mahama H, Smith ER. Timing and causes of neonatal mortality in Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana: A retrospective study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245065. [PMID: 33439915 PMCID: PMC7806127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal deaths now account for more than two-thirds of all deaths in the first year of life and for about half of all deaths in children under-five years. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts up to 41% of the total burden of neonatal deaths worldwide. Our study aims to describe causes of neonatal mortality and to evaluate predictors of timing of neonatal death at Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), Ghana. This retrospective study was conducted at TTH located in Northern Ghana. All neonates who died in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) from 2013 to 2017 were included and data was obtained from admission and discharge books and mortality records. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess predictors of timing of neonatal death. Out of the 8,377 neonates that were admitted at the NICU during the 5-year study period, 1,126 died, representing a mortality rate of 13.4%. Of those that died, 74.3% died within 6 days. There was an overall downward trend in neonatal mortality over the course of the 5-year study period (18.2% in 2013; 14.3% in 2017). Preterm birth complications (49.6%) and birth asphyxia (21.7%) were the top causes of mortality. Predictors of early death included being born within TTH, birth weight, and having a diagnosis of preterm birth complication or birth asphyxia. Our retrospective study found that almost 3/4 of neonatal deaths were within the first week and these deaths were more likely to be associated with preterm birth complications or birth asphyxia. Most of the deaths occurred in babies born within health facilities, presenting an opportunity to reduce our mortality by improving on quality of care provided during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alhassan Abdul-Mumin
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University for Development Studies School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tamale, Ghana
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Cesia Cotache-Condor
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States of America
| | | | - Haruna Mahama
- Sissala West District Hospital, Gwollu, Upper West Region, Ghana
| | - Emily R. Smith
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Dahir S, Cotache-Condor CF, Concepcion T, Mohamed M, Poenaru D, Adan Ismail E, Leather AJM, Rice HE, Smith ER. Interpreting the Lancet surgical indicators in Somaliland: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e042968. [PMID: 33376180 PMCID: PMC7778782 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The unmet burden of surgical care is high in low-income and middle-income countries. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery (LCoGS) proposed six indicators to guide the development of national plans for improving and monitoring access to essential surgical care. This study aimed to characterise the Somaliland surgical health system according to the LCoGS indicators and provide recommendations for next-step interventions. METHODS In this cross-sectional nationwide study, the WHO's Surgical Assessment Tool-Hospital Walkthrough and geographical mapping were used for data collection at 15 surgically capable hospitals. LCoGS indicators for preparedness was defined as access to timely surgery and specialist surgical workforce density (surgeons, anaesthesiologists and obstetricians/SAO), delivery was defined as surgical volume, and impact was defined as protection against impoverishment and catastrophic expenditure. Indicators were compared with the LCoGS goals and were stratified by region. RESULTS The healthcare system in Somaliland does not meet any of the six LCoGS targets for preparedness, delivery or impact. We estimate that only 19% of the population has timely access to essential surgery, less than the LCoGS goal of 80% coverage. The number of specialist SAO providers is 0.8 per 100 000, compared with an LCoGS goal of 20 SAO per 100 000. Surgical volume is 368 procedures per 100 000 people, while the LCoGS goal is 5000 procedures per 100 000. Protection against impoverishing expenditures was only 18% and against catastrophic expenditures 1%, both far below the LCoGS goal of 100% protection. CONCLUSION We found several gaps in the surgical system in Somaliland using the LCoGS indicators and target goals. These metrics provide a broad view of current status and gaps in surgical care, and can be used as benchmarks of progress towards universal health coverage for the provision of safe, affordable, and timely surgical, obstetric and anaesthesia care in Somaliland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shukri Dahir
- Edna Adan University Hospital, Hargeisa, Somaliland
| | | | - Tessa Concepcion
- Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Dan Poenaru
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Andy J M Leather
- King's Centre for Global Health, King's Health Partners and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Henry E Rice
- Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emily R Smith
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
- Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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24
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Smith ER, Concepcion TL, Shrime M, Niemeier K, Mohamed M, Dahir S, Ismail EA, Poenaru D, Rice HE. Waiting Too Long: The Contribution of Delayed Surgical Access to Pediatric Disease Burden in Somaliland. World J Surg 2020; 44:656-664. [PMID: 31654200 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-019-05239-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delayed access to surgical care for congenital conditions in low- and middle-income countries is associated with increased risk of death and life-long disabilities, although the actual burden of delayed access to care is unknown. Our goal was to quantify the burden of disease related to delays to surgical care for children with congenital surgical conditions in Somaliland. METHODS We collected data from medical records on all children (n = 280) receiving surgery for a proxy set of congenital conditions over a 12-month time period across all 15 surgically equipped hospitals in Somaliland. We defined delay to surgical care for each condition as the difference between the ideal and the actual ages at the time of surgery. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to these delays were calculated and compared by the type of condition, travel distance to care, and demographic characteristics. RESULTS We found long delays in surgical care for these 280 children with congenital conditions, translating to a total of 2970 attributable delayed DALYs, or 8.4 avertable delayed DALYs per child, with the greatest burden among children with neurosurgical and anorectal conditions. Over half of the families seeking surgical care had to travel over 2 h to a surgically equipped hospital in the capital city of Hargeisa. CONCLUSIONS Children with congenital conditions in Somaliland experience substantial delays to surgical care and travel long distances to obtain care. Estimating the burden of delayed surgical care with avertable delayed DALYs offers a powerful tool for estimating the costs and benefits of interventions to improve the quality of surgical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Smith
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. .,Department of Public Health, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, MMGYM Room 218, One Bear Place #97313, Waco, TX, 76798-7313, USA.
| | | | - Mark Shrime
- Center for Global Surgery Evaluation, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA.,Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kelli Niemeier
- Department of Public Health, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, MMGYM Room 218, One Bear Place #97313, Waco, TX, 76798-7313, USA
| | - Mubarak Mohamed
- Edna Adan University Hospital, Hargeisa, Somaliland, Somalia
| | - Shugri Dahir
- Edna Adan University Hospital, Hargeisa, Somaliland, Somalia
| | | | | | - Henry E Rice
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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25
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Hilla A, Reese V, Nonvignon J, Dolan CB. Methods for estimating economic benefits of surgical interventions in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e039644. [PMID: 33268411 PMCID: PMC7713224 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Studies indicate that many types of surgical care are cost-effective compared with other health interventions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, global health investments to support these interventions remain limited. This study undertakes a scoping review of research on the economic impact of surgical interventions in LMICs to determine the methodologies used in measuring economic benefits. DESIGN The Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist were used to review the data systematically. Online databases were used to identify papers published between 2005 and 2020, from which we selected 19 publications that quantitatively examined the economic benefits of surgical interventions in LMICs. RESULTS Majority of publications (79%) reported the use of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) to assess economic impact. In comparison, 21% used other measures, such as the value of statistical life or cost-effectiveness ratios, or no measure at all. 31% were systematic or retrospective reviews of the literature on surgical procedures in LMICs, while 69% either directly assessed economic impact in a specific area or evaluated the need for surgical procedures in LMICs. All studies reviewed related to the economic impact of surgical procedures in LMICs, with most about paediatric surgical procedures or a specific surgical specialty. CONCLUSION To make informed policy decisions regarding global health investments, the economic impact must be accurately measured. Researchers employ a range of techniques to quantify the economic benefit of surgeries in LMICs, which limits understanding of overall economic value. We conclude that the literature would benefit from a careful selection of methods, incorporating age and disability weights based on the Global Burden of Disease weights, and converting DALYs to dollars using the value of statistical life approach and the human capital approach, reporting both estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Hilla
- Economics, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Victoria Reese
- Applied Math and Economics, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Justice Nonvignon
- Health Policy, Planning, and Management, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Carrie B Dolan
- Health Sciences, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
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Abdul-Mumin A, Anyomih TTK, Owusu SA, Wright N, Decker J, Niemeier K, Benavidez G, Abantanga FA, Smith ER, Tabiri S. Burden of Neonatal Surgical Conditions in Northern Ghana. World J Surg 2020; 44:3-11. [PMID: 31583459 PMCID: PMC6925064 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-019-05210-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Congenital anomalies have risen to become the fifth leading cause of under-five mortality globally. The majority of deaths and disability occur in low- and middle-income countries including Ghana. This 3-year retrospective review aimed to define, for the first time, the characteristics and outcomes of neonatal surgical conditions in northern Ghana. Methods A retrospective study was conducted to include all admissions to the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with surgical conditions between January 2014 and January 2017. Data were collected on demographics, diagnosis and outcomes. Descriptive analysis was performed on all data, and logistic regression was used to predict determinants of neonatal mortality. p < 0.05 was deemed significant. Results Three hundred and forty-seven neonates were included. Two hundred and sixty-one (75.2%) were aged 7 days or less at presentation, with males (n = 177, 52%) slightly higher than females (n = 165, 48%). The majority were delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery (n = 247, 88%); 191 (58%) were born in hospital. Congenital anomalies accounted for 302 (87%) of the neonatal surgical cases and 45 (96%) deaths. The most common anomalies were omphalocele (n = 48, 13.8%), imperforate anus (n = 34, 9.8%), intestinal obstruction (n = 29, 8.4%), spina bifida (n = 26, 7.5%) and hydrocephalus (n = 19, 5.5%). The overall mortality rate was 13.5%. Two-thirds of the deaths (n = 30) from congenital anomalies were conditions involving the digestive system with gastroschisis having the highest mortality of 88%. Omphalocele (n = 11, 23.4%), gastroschisis (n = 7, 14.9%) and imperforate anus (n = 6, 12.8%) contributed to the most deaths. On multivariate analysis, low birthweight was significantly associated with mortality (OR 3.59, CI 1.4–9.5, p = 0.009). Conclusion Congenital anomalies are a major global health problem associated with high neonatal mortality in Ghana. The highest burden in terms of both caseload and mortality is attributed to congenital anomalies involving the digestive system, which should be targeted to improve outcomes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00268-019-05210-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alhassan Abdul-Mumin
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
- Tamale Teaching Hospital, Salaga Road, Tamale, Ghana
| | | | | | - Naomi Wright
- King's Centre for Global Health and Health Partnerships, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, SE5 9RJ, UK.
| | - Janae Decker
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, 1301 S University Parks Dr, Waco, TX, 76706, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Dr, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Kelli Niemeier
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, 1301 S University Parks Dr, Waco, TX, 76706, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Dr, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Gabriel Benavidez
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, 1301 S University Parks Dr, Waco, TX, 76706, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Dr, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Francis A Abantanga
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
- Tamale Teaching Hospital, Salaga Road, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Emily R Smith
- Department of Public Health, Baylor University, 1301 S University Parks Dr, Waco, TX, 76706, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Dr, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Stephen Tabiri
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
- Tamale Teaching Hospital, Salaga Road, Tamale, Ghana
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Niyikuri A, Smith ER, Vervoort D, Shrime MG, Brown S, Peters AW, Yamey G, Makasa E. Top 10 Resources in Global Surgery. GLOBAL HEALTH: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020; 8:606-611. [PMID: 33008867 PMCID: PMC7541111 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-20-00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This resource list could serve to orient those interested in global surgery and could be supplemented with resources advocating for global surgery from clinical, population health, or policy perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alliance Niyikuri
- Frank Ogden Medical School, Hope Africa University, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Emily R Smith
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. .,Department of Public Health, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Dominique Vervoort
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark G Shrime
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Global Surgery Evaluation, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stav Brown
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alexander W Peters
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gavin Yamey
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Emmanuel Makasa
- Cabinet Office, Government of the Republic of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.,Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Hong KW, Igiraneza D, Davis J, Nsengiyumva A, Riner A, Petroze RT, Ntaganda E. Should We Offer Surgery for Biliary Atresia in Low-Resource Settings? Surgical Outcomes in Rwanda. J Surg Res 2020; 257:419-424. [PMID: 32892140 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many resource-limited settings, patients with biliary atresia present too late for surgical correction to be offered, and the diagnosis is fatal. As pediatric surgical and anesthesia capabilities have improved, patients in Rwanda have been offered surgical exploration. This study explores initial outcomes. METHODS Patients presenting with direct hyperbilirubinemia and clinical suspicion of biliary atresia were identified at the main university teaching hospital in Kigali, Rwanda, from January 2016 to June 2019. Patient demographics, referral history, geographic location, preoperative imaging, preoperative laboratory studies, operative details, postoperative laboratory studies, in-hospital complications, length of stay, and survival were abstracted from retrospective chart review. Descriptive analysis was performed, and univariate analysis evaluated survival and complications. RESULTS Seventeen patients were identified with biliary atresia, and thirteen were offered surgery. The median age of admission was 77 d (interquartile range [IQR] 63-92 d), with the median time wait for the operation being 19 d (IQR 9-27 d). The median age at operation was 93 d (IQR 76-123 d). In-hospital postoperative mortality was 15.4% (n = 2) and postoperative complications occurred in 46.2% (n = 6). Eleven patients survived to hospital discharge (84.6%), with a median length of stay of 8 d (IQR 6-13 d). CONCLUSIONS While future studies are needed to evaluate the long-term outcomes, this series shows that surgical treatment of biliary atresia can be safely performed in Rwanda. Early referral of direct hyperbilirubinemia is essential, particularly as limited resources and personnel may impact the time from diagnosis to operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Woo Hong
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Deborah Igiraneza
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University Teaching Hospital-Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - James Davis
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Andrea Riner
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Robin T Petroze
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
| | - Edmond Ntaganda
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University Teaching Hospital-Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
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Provision of Surgical Care for Children Across Somaliland: Challenges and Policy Guidance. World J Surg 2020; 43:2934-2944. [PMID: 31297580 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-019-05079-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing data suggest a large burden of surgical conditions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, surgical care for children in LMICs remains poorly understood. Our goal was to define the hospital infrastructure, workforce, and delivery of surgical care for children across Somaliland and provide policy guidance to improve care. METHODS We used two established hospital assessment tools to assess infrastructure, workforce, and capacity at all hospitals providing surgical care for children across Somaliland. We collected data on all surgical procedures performed in children in Somaliland between August 2016 and July 2017 using operative logbooks. RESULTS Data were collected from 15 hospitals, including eight government, five for-profit, and two not-for-profit hospitals. Children represented 15.9% of all admitted patients, and pediatric surgical interventions comprised 8.8% of total operations. There were 0.6 surgical providers and 1.2 anesthesia providers per 100,000 population. A total of 1255 surgical procedures were performed in children in all hospitals in Somaliland over 1 year, at a rate of 62.4 surgical procedures annually per 100,000 children. Care was concentrated at private hospitals within urban areas, with a limited number of procedures for many high-burden pediatric surgical conditions. CONCLUSIONS We found a profound lack of surgical capacity for children in Somaliland. Hospital-level surgical infrastructure, workforce, and care delivery reflects a severely resource-constrained health system. Targeted policy to improved essential surgical care at local, regional, and national levels is essential to improve the health of children in Somaliland.
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30
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Wasserman I, Peters AW, Roa L, Amanullah F, Samad L. Breaking Specialty Silos: Improving Global Child Health Through Essential Surgical Care. GLOBAL HEALTH: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020; 8:183-189. [PMID: 32606090 PMCID: PMC7326524 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-20-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Children’s health care providers and children’s surgery providers can partner to improve children’s health by developing the surgical workforce, focusing on “best buy” surgeries, integrating children’s surgery into national plans, streamlining data collection and research, and leveraging financing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Wasserman
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander W Peters
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lina Roa
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Lubna Samad
- Center for Essential Surgical and Acute Care, Indus Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan
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Barton SJ, Sandhu S, Doan I, Blanchard L, Dai A, Paulenich A, Smith ER, van de Water BJ, Martin AH, Seider J, Namaganda F, Opolot S, Ekeji N, Bility MM, Bettger JP. Perceived barriers and supports to accessing community-based services for Uganda's pediatric post-surgical population. Disabil Rehabil 2019; 43:2172-2183. [PMID: 31841047 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1694999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to pediatric surgical intervention in low-income countries is expanding, but investments in post-surgical care have received less attention. This study explored the barriers and supports for school-aged children to access post-surgical, community-based follow-up care in Uganda as perceived by community stakeholders. MATERIALS AND METHODS This qualitative exploratory case study used in-depth, semi-structured interviews and in-country site visits among Ugandan organizations providing follow-up care to school-aged children in Uganda after surgery. Data from eight interviews and eight site visits were coded, analyzed, and cross-tabulated with a modified grounded theory approach. RESULTS Four key barriers to community-based follow-up care were identified: discrimination, financial barriers, geographical barriers (including transportation), and caregiver limitations to support recovery. Three key supports to successful access to and participation in community-based post-surgical recovery were identified: disability awareness, the provision of sustained follow-up care, and caregiver supports for reintegration. CONCLUSIONS Increasing awareness of disability across local Ugandan communities, educating caregivers with accessible and culturally aware approaches, and funding sustainable follow-up care programming provide promising avenues for pediatric post-surgical recovery and community reintegration in contemporary Uganda.Implications for rehabilitationMultiple, intersecting factors prevent or promote access to post-surgical community-based services among school-aged children in Uganda.The most prominent barriers to pediatric community reintegration in Uganda include discrimination, lack of financial resources, geographical factors, and caregiver limitations.Community and interprofessional alliances must address disability awareness and sources of stigma in local contexts to promote optimal recovery and reintegration after surgery.Collaborative efforts are needed to develop sustainable funding for community-based care programs that specifically support pediatric post-surgical recovery and reintegration.Efforts to provide appropriate and empowering caregiver education are critical, particularly in geographical regions where ongoing access to rehabilitation professionals is minimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jean Barton
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sahil Sandhu
- Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Isabelle Doan
- Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lillian Blanchard
- Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alex Dai
- Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Emily R Smith
- Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.,Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Brittney J van de Water
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anna H Martin
- Global Campaign for Education, Light for the World, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Florence Namaganda
- The Mukisa Foundation, Kampala, Uganda.,The Special Children's Trust, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Shem Opolot
- The Neurosurgical Society of Uganda, Kampala, Uganda.,Duke Global Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nelia Ekeji
- Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Janet Prvu Bettger
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Smith ER, Concepcion TL, Mohamed M, Dahir S, Ismail EA, Rice HE, Krishna A. The contribution of pediatric surgery to poverty trajectories in Somaliland. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219974. [PMID: 31348780 PMCID: PMC6660125 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The provision of health care in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) is recognized as a significant contributor to economic growth and also impacts individual families at a microeconomic level. The primary goal of our study was to examine the relationship between surgical conditions in children and the poverty trajectories of either falling into or coming out of poverty of families across Somaliland. METHODS This work used the Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS) tool, a validated household, cross-sectional survey designed to determine the burden of surgical conditions within a community. We collected information on household demographic characteristics, including financial information, and surgical condition history on children younger than 16 years of age. To assess poverty trajectories over time, we measured household assets using the Stages of Progress framework. RESULTS We found there were substantial fluxes in poverty across Somaliland over the study period. We confirmed our study hypothesis and found that the presence of a surgical condition in a child itself, regardless of whether surgical care was provided, either reduced the chances of moving out of poverty or increased the chances of moving towards poverty. CONCLUSION Our study shows that the presence of a surgical condition in a child is a strong singular predictor of poverty descent rather than upward mobility, suggesting that this stressor can limit the capacity of a family to improve its economic status. Our findings further support many existing macroeconomic and microeconomic analyses that surgical care in LMICs offers financial risk protection against impoverishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Smith
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
- Department of Public Health, Robbins College of Health and Human Services, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States of America
| | - Tessa L. Concepcion
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | | | - Shugri Dahir
- Edna Adan University Hospital, Hargeisa, Somaliland
| | | | - Henry E. Rice
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Anirudh Krishna
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
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Fitzgerald TN, Rice HE. Investing in all of Our Children: Global Pediatric Surgery for the Twenty-First Century. World J Surg 2019; 43:1401-1403. [PMID: 30830242 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-019-04973-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara N Fitzgerald
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Box 3815, DUMC, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
| | - Henry E Rice
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Box 3815, DUMC, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
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