The British journal of surgery
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Observational Study
Prospective observational cohort study on grading the severity of postoperative complications in global surgery research.
The Clavien-Dindo classification is perhaps the most widely used approach for reporting postoperative complications in clinical trials. This system classifies complication severity by the treatment provided. However, it is unclear whether the Clavien-Dindo system can be used internationally in studies across differing healthcare systems in high- (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). ⋯ Caution is recommended when using a treatment approach to grade complications in global surgery studies, as this may introduce bias unintentionally.
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Global surgery research is often generated through collaborative partnerships between researchers from both low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs). Inequitable engagement of LMIC collaborators can limit the impact of the research. ⋯ It is unacceptable to gather data from an LMIC without meaningful engagement in all aspects of the research and sharing opportunities with local collaborators. The strategies outlined here can help research teams build global surgery research portfolios that optimize the potential for equitable engagement.
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The National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery is establishing research Hubs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study was for the Hubs to prioritize future research into areas of unmet clinical need for patients in LMICs requiring surgery. ⋯ This process identified three priority areas for future research relevant to surgery in LMICs. It was driven by front-line LMIC clinicians, patients and other stakeholders representing a diverse range of settings. The results of the prioritization exercise provide a future framework for researchers and funders.
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Surgery is among the most neglected parts of healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries. Ethiopia has launched a national strategic plan to address challenges in the surgical system. This study aimed to assess surgical capacity in two Ethiopian regions to inform priority areas for improvement. ⋯ Results from this study will inform programmes to simultaneously improve each of the health system domains in Ethiopia; this is required if better access to and quality of surgery, anaesthesia and obstetric services are to be achieved.