International health
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International health · Sep 2020
Shared decision making in musculoskeletal pain consultations in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review.
Global populations, especially those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), are at an increased risk of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, a leading cause of years lived with disability. Shared decision making (SDM) in the management of these conditions may drive improvements in healthcare outcomes and quality. This study aimed to synthesize and appraise available evidence regarding SDM in MSK pain consultations in LMICs. ⋯ SDM is still a relatively 'foreign concept' within consultations and management of MSK pain patients in LMICs. There is a dearth of research in SDM and patient-centred care. Given the socio-economic impact of MSK pain, further research into the value of SDM in LMIC healthcare settings requires further consideration.
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International health · Sep 2020
Management of paediatric burns in low- and middle-income countries: assessing capacity using the World Health Organization Surgical Assessment Tool.
Burns are a leading cause of global disease burden, with children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) disproportionately affected. Effective management improves outcomes; however, the availability of necessary resources in LMICs remains unclear. We evaluated surgical centres in LMICs using the WHO Surgical Assessment Tool (SAT) to identify opportunities to optimize paediatric burn care. ⋯ LMICs have limited resources to provide paediatric burn care but widely perform many interventions necessary to address the burden of burns. The SAT may not capture innovative and traditional approaches to burn care. There remains an opportunity to improve paediatric burn care globally.