A qualitative assessment of the benefits and challenges of international neurosurgical teaching collaboration in Ethiopia

Abstract

Objective: To explore the perspectives of Ethiopian and international neurosurgeons on the development of a sustainable academic neurosurgery teaching unit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods: A qualitative case study methodology was employed.

Results: Ethiopian and international surgeons describe a rewarding cross-cultural experience. Areas in need of improvement include communication, educational infrastructure, and structured morbidity and mortality discussions. Data collection that aims to understand better the burden of neurosurgical disease in Ethiopia along with rapidly expanding Ethiopian government initiatives to improve the health care system will lead to improved patient care.

Conclusions: Genuine partnerships between surgeons who have trained and worked in well-developed neurosurgical centers and those that are working within the confines of limited resources have the mutual desire to improve neurosurgical care. Understanding each other's perspective is an important aspect of program development.

Keywords: Global health; Low-income countries; Neurosurgery; Surgical capacity; Surgical partnerships.