Evaluating the Effectiveness and the Impact of Donated Neurosurgical Equipment on Neurosurgical Units in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Experience.

BACKGROUND

Surgical practice highly depends on the availability of surgical equipment; this is particularly relevant to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where resources are limited. A key part of the efforts to improve surgical provision globally include providing affordable equipment to LMICs; however, the effectiveness and the impact of these initiatives have not yet been assessed. We aimed to evaluate the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies neurosurgical equipment program in this context.

METHODS

Recipients were identified from the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies records; contact details were gathered. An online survey was used to collect data on equipment, including its current use, any malfunctioning issues, suitability, reliability, serviceability, and the impact it has had on the unit.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 16 units, totaling 28 pieces of equipment. A total of 75% of the equipment is still in use; of this, 57% is fully functioning, and 43% is used despite some malfunction. We found that 25% of the equipment is broken and unusable; high-maintenance items, such as high-speed drills, feature in this category (100% broken, n = 3). Units reported an increase in number of operation performed in 74% cases, improved surgery quality in 78%, and breadth of operations in 44%. Satisfaction, equipment suitability, reliability, and serviceability scored highly, with median values of 9 for all fields on a 10-point scale.

CONCLUSIONS

Equipment donation positively impacts neurosurgical units in LMICs by allowing expansion of neurosurgical practice, improved safety and quality, and affordability. Adequate follow-up, considerations regarding equipment durability and maintenance needs, and improved support for repairs should be prioritized to ensure maximal benefit.