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Frechette R, Colas N, Augustin M, Edema N, Pyram G, Louis S, Crevecoeur CE, Mathurin C, Louigne R, Patel B, Humphreys M, Chapital A, Martin M, Ayoub Q, Hottinger D, McCurdy MT, Tran Q, Skupski R, Zimmer D, Walsh M. Sustainable surgical resource initiative for Haiti: the SSRI-Haiti project. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2180867. [PMID: 36856725 PMCID: PMC9980030 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2180867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to the 2010 earthquake and subsequent cholera epidemic, St Luke's Medical Center was established in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Here, we describe its inception and evolution to include an intensive care unit and two operating rooms, as well as the staffing, training and experiential learning activities, which helped St Luke's become a sustainable surgical resource. We describe a three-phase model for establishing a sustainable surgical centre in Haiti (build facility and acquire equipment; train staff and perform surgeries; provide continued education and expansion including regular specialist trips) and we report a progressive increase in the number and complexity of cases performed by all-Haitian staff from 2012 to 2022. The results are generalised in the context of the 'delay framework' to global health along with a discussion of the application of this three-phase model to resource-limited environments. We conclude with a brief description of the formation of a remote surgical centre in Port-Salut, an unforeseen benefit of local competence and independence. Establishing sustainable and collaborative surgery centres operated by local staff accelerates the ability of resource-limited countries to meet high surgical burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Frechette
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine and Surgery, Saint Luke's Medical Center, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Nathalie Colas
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine and Surgery, Saint Luke's Medical Center, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Marc Augustin
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine and Surgery, Saint Luke's Medical Center, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Nathalie Edema
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine and Surgery, Saint Luke's Medical Center, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Gerson Pyram
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine and Surgery, Saint Luke's Medical Center, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Stanley Louis
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine and Surgery, Saint Luke's Medical Center, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Carl Eric Crevecoeur
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine and Surgery, Saint Luke's Medical Center, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Carmeline Mathurin
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine and Surgery, Saint Luke's Medical Center, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Raphael Louigne
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine and Surgery, Saint Luke's Medical Center, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Bhavesh Patel
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine, Urology and Surgery, Mayo Clinic and Global, Surgical, Destination, Healthcare Inc., Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Mitchell Humphreys
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine, Urology and Surgery, Mayo Clinic and Global, Surgical, Destination, Healthcare Inc., Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Alyssa Chapital
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine, Urology and Surgery, Mayo Clinic and Global, Surgical, Destination, Healthcare Inc., Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Mallory Martin
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine and Surgery, Saint Luke's Medical Center, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Qamarissa Ayoub
- Bamiyan Maternal and Child Health Project and the Andeshgah Library, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Daniel Hottinger
- Department of Anesthesia, Metropolitan Anesthesia Network, LLP, Plymouth, MN, USA
| | - Michael T McCurdy
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Quincy Tran
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard Skupski
- Department of Medical Education, University of Indiana School of Medicine, South Bend/Notre Dame Campus, South Bend, IN, USA.,Department of Anesthesia, Memorial Hospital Beacon Medical Group of South Bend, South Bend, IN, USA
| | - Donald Zimmer
- Department of Medical Education, University of Indiana School of Medicine, South Bend/Notre Dame Campus, South Bend, IN, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Memorial Hospital Beacon Medical Group of South Bend, South Bend, IN, USA
| | - Mark Walsh
- Department of Medical Education, University of Indiana School of Medicine, South Bend/Notre Dame Campus, South Bend, IN, USA.,Departments of Emergency and Internal Medicine, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, IN, USA
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Doing more with less - How frugal innovations can contribute to improving healthcare systems. Soc Sci Med 2022; 306:115127. [PMID: 35750004 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The dominance of an innovation discourse laden with cutting edge and expensive technologies, may be preventing us from recognizing alternative and complementary perspectives, which could help cut healthcare costs while improving worldwide access to health services. One such complementary approach is that of frugal innovation. Frugal innovation, as a way to produce efficacious and affordable products using fewer resources to reach the underserved customers, has received increasing attention in the social sciences literature. Although frugal innovation is commonly associated with emerging economies, there is now a rising interest from healthcare providers in developed countries, to find and apply effective, and lower-cost solutions. Nonetheless, knowledge on frugal innovation and its role in healthcare is dispersed across different literatures which hampers researchers and practitioners to access a fuller, and integrated picture of the phenomenon. In this study, by synthesizing extant knowledge, we tackle the fragmentation of the phenomenon. We elucidate on who the actors are, what is being done, how are such innovations being developed, and what the outcomes are, providing a framework that lays out the underlying mechanisms of frugal innovation in healthcare (FIH). The midrange theory that we develop, provides a conceptual framework for researchers to undertake empirical observation and models to guide managerial practices. Furthermore, by providing a more unified perspective of frugal innovation in healthcare, we hope to initiate conversations on the development, adequacy and adoption of these innovations in healthcare services, which could increase affordability and access for the population while maintaining quality.
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Kimball M, Wagenaar B. Applying a systems lens to understand patient safety effectiveness in low-and-middle-income countries. BMJ Qual Saf 2021; 31:334-336. [PMID: 34526386 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2021-013668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Kimball
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Bradley Wagenaar
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Klunder-Rosser J. Should the development of orthopaedic trauma nursing be a priority in low to middle income countries? A scoping review. Int J Orthop Trauma Nurs 2019; 37:100749. [PMID: 32001191 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijotn.2019.100749] [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: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic orthopaedic injuries are responsible for 5.8 million deaths every year, with 90% occurring in low to middle income countries. Nursing is an under-utilised resource in global trauma care and little research exists into the availability or training of skilled orthopaedic nurses in low to middle income countries. OBJECTIVES This scoping review aimed to summarise and critique the existing body of research to identify if the development and, in some cases establishment, of trauma and orthopaedic nursing should be a priority in low resource settings. The review also aimed to identify any barriers to the advancement of the speciality, and any existing solutions to support nurses' training and development. METHODOLOGY A scoping literature search was conducted, searching four databases (ProQuest, Medline, CINHAL and SOLAR) with key words and phrases to identify current literature. RESULTS Eleven papers were identified. Key themes included the need to upskill and utilise the existing nursing workforce to provide care to trauma patients. CONCLUSIONS Significant investment in the development of orthopaedic nursing is needed in low to middle income countries to reduce morbidity and mortality and retain the local nursing workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Klunder-Rosser
- Lecturer in Adult Nursing, University of Salford, MS3.42, Mary Seacole Building, Fredrick Road, Salford, M6 5ST, UK.
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Orthopaedic Trauma in the Developing World: Where Are the Gaps in Research and What Can Be Done? J Orthop Trauma 2018; 32 Suppl 7:S43-S46. [PMID: 30247400 DOI: 10.1097/bot.0000000000001293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There are an estimated 1.2 million deaths from road traffic injuries annually, disproportionately affecting patients in low-resource settings. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify knowledge gaps in global orthopaedic trauma in an effort to help prioritize future research. METHODS Using the 6-stage Arksey and O'Malley framework for conducting a scoping review, orthopaedic trauma literature was reviewed over a ten-year period from 2004 to 2014. Studies from low-resource settings were included and categorized by geographic location, anatomic region, study type, and level of evidence. RESULTS Of 548 included studies, 51.4% were from low- and middle-income countries in South Asia and 33.7% were from sub-Saharan Africa. Therapeutic (53.3%), epidemiologic (26.4%), and qualitative (8.9%) studies were most common. Only 10.2% of the studies were considered high level of evidence, whereas the vast majority (89.8%) was level 3 or below. Overall, lower extremity injuries were much more frequently represented in the literature compared with upper extremity injuries (233 vs. 78). Pelvic and acetabular fractures were the least studied anatomic region of the lower extremity (3.4%). CONCLUSIONS Our study identified a lack of cost-effectiveness analyses pertaining to injury and intervention, paucity of high-quality research, and under-representation of pelvic, acetabular, and upper extremity injuries. Improved and prioritized research in low- and middle-income countries may help optimize care and inform policy makers of how to reduce the global burden of musculoskeletal trauma.
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Wong AL, Lacob KM, Wilson MG, Zwolski SM, Acharya S. Design and preliminary validation of a mobile application-based expert system to facilitate repair of medical equipment in resource-limited health settings. MEDICAL DEVICES-EVIDENCE AND RESEARCH 2018; 11:157-169. [PMID: 29805270 PMCID: PMC5960245 DOI: 10.2147/mder.s162854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One of the greatest barriers to safe surgery is the availability of functional biomedical equipment. Biomedical technicians play a major role in ensuring that equipment is functional. Following in-field observations and an online survey, a mobile application was developed to aid technicians in troubleshooting biomedical equipment. It was hypothesized that this application could be used to aid technicians in equipment repair, as modeled by repair of a pulse oximeter. Methods To identify specific barriers to equipment repair and maintenance for biomedical technicians, an online survey was conducted to determine current practices and challenges. These findings were used to guide the development of a mobile application system that guides technicians through maintenance and repair tasks. A convenience sample of technicians in Ethiopia tested the application using a broken pulse oximeter task and following this completed usability and content validity surveys. Results Fifty-three technicians from 13 countries responded to the initial survey. The results of the survey showed that technicians find equipment manuals most useful, but these are not easily accessible. Many do not know how to or are uncomfortable reaching out to human resources. Thirty-three technicians completed the broken pulse oximeter task using the application. All were able to appropriately identify and repair the equipment, and post-task surveys of usability and content validity demonstrated highly positive scores (Agree to Strongly Agree) on both scales. Discussion This research demonstrates the need for improved access to resources for technicians and shows that a mobile application can be used to address a gap in the access to knowledge and resources in low- and middle-income countries. Further research will include prospective studies to determine the impact of an application on the availability of functional equipment in a hospital and the effect on the provision and safety of surgical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison L Wong
- Center for Bioengineering, Innovation and Design, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Division of Plastic Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kelly M Lacob
- Center for Bioengineering, Innovation and Design, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Madeline G Wilson
- Center for Bioengineering, Innovation and Design, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stacie M Zwolski
- Center for Bioengineering, Innovation and Design, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Soumyadipta Acharya
- Center for Bioengineering, Innovation and Design, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Bergmann T, Sengupta PP, Narula J. Is TAVR Ready for the Global Aging Population? Glob Heart 2017; 12:291-299. [PMID: 28433492 DOI: 10.1016/j.gheart.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the global pandemic of chronic diseases necessitates critical assessment of interventions that can be targeted at both the individual and population levels. Among cardiovascular diseases, the increasing prevalence of valvular heart diseases such as aortic stenosis parallels the rising burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. As an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement, technological innovation has allowed development of minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This review examines whether TAVR can be applicable in low-resource regions across the world. Although revolutionary, TAVR is currently complex and requires a "Heart Team" approach for optimized patient care. We propose the emergence of telemedicine networks, newer valve designs that allow implementation of minimal approaches, and the use of minimal numbers of specialists for adapting TAVR to settings where surgical backup is not available. With efforts to reduce resource utilization, these alternate strategies have the potential to affect implementation of TAVR globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Bergmann
- Cardiac Ultrasound Research and Core Lab, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai's Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute and Marie-Josee and Henry R. Kravis Center for Cardiovascular Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Partho P Sengupta
- Cardiac Ultrasound Research and Core Lab, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai's Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute and Marie-Josee and Henry R. Kravis Center for Cardiovascular Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jagat Narula
- Cardiac Ultrasound Research and Core Lab, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai's Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute and Marie-Josee and Henry R. Kravis Center for Cardiovascular Health, New York, NY, USA
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Allen LN, Christie GP. The Emergence of Personalized Health Technology. J Med Internet Res 2016; 18:e99. [PMID: 27165944 PMCID: PMC4890734 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.5357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Personalized health technology is a noisy new entrant to the health space, yet to make a significant impact on population health but seemingly teeming with potential. Devices including wearable fitness trackers and healthy-living apps are designed to help users quantify and improve their health behaviors. Although the ethical issues surrounding data privacy have received much attention, little is being said about the impact on socioeconomic health inequalities. Populations who stand to benefit the most from these technologies are unable to afford, access, or use them. This paper outlines the negative impact that these technologies will have on inequalities unless their user base can be radically extended to include vulnerable populations. Frugal innovation and public–private partnership are discussed as the major means for reaching this end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Nelson Allen
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Department of Global Health and Population, Boston, MA, United States.
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