A framework for the monitoring and evaluation of international surgical initiatives in low- and middle-income countries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

An estimated two billion people worldwide lack adequate access to surgical care. To address this humanitarian emergency, an increasing number of international surgical partnerships are emerging between developed and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). At present, there are no clear indicators that may be used to assess the effectiveness of such initiatives.

Study design

We conducted an international qualitative study of 31 surgeons from developed and LMICs involved in international partnerships across a variety of subspecialties. Thematic analysis and grounded theory were applied in order to develop a practical framework that may be applied to monitor and evaluate global surgical initiatives.

Results

Several themes emerged from the study: (i) there is

SUBMITTER: Ibrahim GM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4379101 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature