W S Bolton1, N Aruparayil1, A Quyn1, J Scott2, A Wood3, I Bundu4, J Gnanaraj5, J M Brown6, D G Jayne1. 1. Section of Translational Anaesthesia and Surgery, Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK. 2. Leeds Vascular Institute, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK. 3. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK. 4. Department of Surgery, Connaught Hospital, Freetown, Sierra Leone. 5. Karunya Institute of Technology and Science, Karunya Nagar, Coimbatore, India. 6. Leeds Institute for Clinical Trials Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Effective dissemination of technology in global surgery is vital to realize universal health coverage by 2030. Challenges include a lack of human resource, infrastructure and finance. Understanding these challenges, and exploring opportunities and solutions to overcome them, are essential to improve global surgical care. METHODS: This review focuses on technologies and medical devices aimed at improving surgical care and training in low- and middle-income countries. The key considerations in the development of new technologies are described, along with strategies for evaluation and wider dissemination. Notable examples of where the dissemination of a new surgical technology has achieved impact are included. RESULTS: Employing the principles of frugal and responsible innovation, and aligning evaluation and development to high scientific standards help overcome some of the challenges in disseminating technology in global surgery. Exemplars of effective dissemination include low-cost laparoscopes, gasless laparoscopic techniques and innovative training programmes for laparoscopic surgery; low-cost and versatile external fixation devices for fractures; the LifeBox pulse oximeter project; and the use of immersive technologies in simulation, training and surgical care delivery. CONCLUSION: Core strategies to facilitate technology dissemination in global surgery include leveraging international funding, interdisciplinary collaboration involving all key stakeholders, and frugal scientific design, development and evaluation.
BACKGROUND: Effective dissemination of technology in global surgery is vital to realize universal health coverage by 2030. Challenges include a lack of human resource, infrastructure and finance. Understanding these challenges, and exploring opportunities and solutions to overcome them, are essential to improve global surgical care. METHODS: This review focuses on technologies and medical devices aimed at improving surgical care and training in low- and middle-income countries. The key considerations in the development of new technologies are described, along with strategies for evaluation and wider dissemination. Notable examples of where the dissemination of a new surgical technology has achieved impact are included. RESULTS: Employing the principles of frugal and responsible innovation, and aligning evaluation and development to high scientific standards help overcome some of the challenges in disseminating technology in global surgery. Exemplars of effective dissemination include low-cost laparoscopes, gasless laparoscopic techniques and innovative training programmes for laparoscopic surgery; low-cost and versatile external fixation devices for fractures; the LifeBox pulse oximeter project; and the use of immersive technologies in simulation, training and surgical care delivery. CONCLUSION: Core strategies to facilitate technology dissemination in global surgery include leveraging international funding, interdisciplinary collaboration involving all key stakeholders, and frugal scientific design, development and evaluation.
Authors: M Marriott Webb; P Bridges; N Aruparayil; C Chugh; T Beacon; T Singh; S S Sawhney; L Bains; R Hall; D Jayne; J Gnanaraj; A Mishra; P R Culmer Journal: IEEE J Transl Eng Health Med Date: 2022-05-23
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