Can a Quality Collaborative Build Value in Global Surgery? Results From a Single State Experience

Abstract

Background: Surgery is a critical component of global health care worldwide. Little is known about global surgery participation among surgeons in Connecticut. The goal of this pilot survey project was to determine the breadth of global surgery experience in our state.

Study design: An electronic survey was distributed to surgeons in the state of Connecticut via the Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Surgeons (CTACS) and to departments of surgery throughout the state.

Results: Seventy-four surgeons and surgical residents completed the online survey from 17 different hospitals. Nineteen (25.7%) of the respondents had participated in global surgery. Most participated in yearly (56.3%), short-term experiences (94.5%). Nearly half of this group reported no formal record of outcomes (52.9%), but 17/19 (89.5%) respondents reported that accurate outcomes measures are beneficial to surgical care in resource-poor areas. Eighty-nine percent reported a willingness to participate in a surgical quality and outcomes database.

Conclusion: A substantial proportion of surgeons in Connecticut participate in global surgery. Most surgeons value qualityin surgical care, yet outcomes are not routinely measured. This discordance may be addressed through the development of a quality improvement collaborative for global surgery.