Evaluation of Global Surgery Perspectives and Knowledge Amongst Past Surgical Trainees in East, Central, and Southern Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Africa faces a shortage of academic Global Surgery programs, limiting trainee exposure despite pressing surgical care inequities. Global Surgery seeks to improve access through systems and policy strengthening.

METHODS

A cross-sectional electronic survey was conducted among COSECSA-affiliated registrars and specialists to assess their Global Surgery knowledge and perspectives.

RESULTS

Out of 75 responses, the age range 36-40 years was the most represented (32.39%). Participants came from 15 countries, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Uganda being the most represented. Most respondents were General Surgery specialists and had completed training within the past 1-5 years. The majority practiced in urban settings (68%), followed by rural (20%) and peri-urban (12%). Familiarity with Global Surgery principles varied: 38.7% reported low, 33.3% moderate, and 28% high familiarity. Exposure to formal training in Global Surgery was reported by 17.6%, with 75.7% having none. Exposure included webinars (50.7%) and conferences (34.7%), with none having attained a degree in Global Surgery. Knowledge of fundamental Global Surgery concepts varied, with the Surgical Checklist most recognized (86.7%) and Geospatial Mapping least familiar. Respondents perceived their Global Surgery skills as Basic (40.5%), Insufficient (31.1%), Advanced (12.2%), and Expert (1.3%). 82.4% indicated that the inclusion of Global Surgery into the formal curriculum would be beneficial.

CONCLUSION

There is limited knowledge and understanding of key concepts in Global Surgery by past surgical trainees and specialists, despite the challenges they must address in providing care in their clinical setting such as barriers to access, infrastructure, equipment, technology, and information systems. There is strong support for Global Surgery training to be incorporated into surgical training programmes, and a high interest in furthering Global Surgery education, by past and present surgical trainees in East, Central, and Southern Africa.