Perioperative Risk Assessment in Humanitarian Settings: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: No validated perioperative risk assessment models currently exist for use in humanitarian settings. To inform the development of a perioperative mortality risk assessment model applicable to humanitarian settings, we conducted a scoping review of the literature to identify reports that described perioperative risk assessment in surgical care in humanitarian settings and LMICs. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of the literature to identify records that described perioperative risk assessment in low-resource or humanitarian settings. Searches were conducted in databases including: PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, World Health Organization Catalog, and Google Scholar. RESULTS: Our search identified 1582 records. After title/abstract and full text screening, 50 reports remained eligible for analysis in quantitative and qualitative synthesis. These reports presented data from over 37 countries from public, NGO, and military facilities. Data reporting was highly inconsistent: fewer than half of reports presented the indication for surgery; less than 25% of reports presented data on injury severity or prehospital data. Most elements of perioperative risk models designed for high-resource settings (e.g., vital signs, laboratory data, and medical comorbidities) were unavailable. CONCLUSION: At present, no perioperative mortality risk assessment model exists for use in humanitarian settings. Limitations in consistency and quality of data reporting are a primary barrier, however, can be addressed through data-driven identification of several key variables encompassed by a minimum dataset. The development of such a score is a critical step toward improving the quality of care provided to populations affected by conflict and protracted humanitarian crises.

Characterization of Humanitarian Trauma Care by US Military Facilities During Combat Operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize humanitarian trauma care delivered by US military treatment facilities (MTFs) in Afghanistan and Iraq during combat operations. BACKGROUND: International Humanitarian Law, which includes the Geneva Conventions, defines protections and standards of treatment to victims of armed conflicts. In 1949, these standards expanded to include injured civilians. In 2001, the Global War on Terror began in Afghanistan and expanded to Iraq in 2003. US MTFs provided care to all military forces, civilians, and enemy prisoners. A thorough understanding of the scope, epidemiology, resource requirements, and outcomes of civilian trauma in combat zones has not been previously characterized. METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis of the Department of Defense Trauma Registry from 2005 to 2019. Inclusion criteria were civilians and Non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Coalition Personnel (NNCP) with traumatic injuries treated at MTFs in Afghanistan and Iraq. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, resource requirements, procedures, and outcomes were categorized. RESULTS: A total of 29,963 casualties were eligible from the Registry. There were 16,749 (55.9%) civilians and 13,214 (44.1%) NNCP. The majority of patients were age above 13 years [26,853 (89.6%)] and male [28,000 (93.4%)]. Most injuries were battle-related: 12,740 (76.1%) civilians and 11,099 (84.0%) NNCP. Penetrating trauma was the most common cause of both battle and nonbattle injuries: 12,293 (73.4%) civilian and 10,029 (75.9%) NNCP. Median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 9 in each cohort with ISS≥25 in 2236 (13.4%) civilians and 1398 (10.6%) NNCP. Blood products were transfused to 35% of each cohort: 5850 civilians received a transfusion with 2118 (12.6%) of them receiving ≥10 units; 4590 NNCPs received a transfusion with 1669 (12.6%) receiving ≥10 units. MTF mortality rates were civilians 1263 (7.5%) and NNCP 776 (5.9%). Interventions, both operative and nonoperative, were similar between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In accordance with International Humanitarian Law, as well as the US military's medical rules of eligibility, civilians injured in combat zones were provided the same level of care as NNCP. Injured civilians and NNCP had similar mechanisms of injury, injury patterns, transfusion needs, and ISS. This analysis demonstrates resource equipoise in trauma care delivered to civilians and NNCP. Hospitals in combat zones must be prepared to manage large numbers of civilian casualties with significant human and material resources allocated to optimize survival. The provision of humanitarian trauma care is resource-intensive, and these data can be used to inform planning factors for current or future humanitarian care in combat zones.

Improvements and Gaps in Financial Risk Protection Among Veterans Following the Affordable Care Act.

BACKGROUND: Despite public perception, most of the nearly 20 million US veterans have health coverage outside the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and VHA eligibility and utilization vary across veterans. Out-of-pocket healthcare spending thus remains a potential source of financial hardship for veterans. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) aimed to expand health insurance access, but its effect on veterans' financial risk protection has not been explored. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether ACA implementation was associated with changes in veterans' risk of catastrophic health expenditures, and to characterize drivers of catastrophic health spending among veterans post-ACA. DESIGN: Using multivariable linear probability regression, we examined changes in likelihood of catastrophic health spending after ACA implementation, stratifying by age (18-64 vs 65+), household income tercile, and payer (VHA vs non-VHA). Among veterans with catastrophic spending post-ACA, we evaluated sources of out-of-pocket spending. PARTICIPANTS: Nationally representative sample of 13,030 veterans aged 18+ from the 2010 to 2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. INTERVENTION: ACA implementation, January 1, 2014. MAIN MEASURES: Likelihood of catastrophic health expenditures, defined as household out-of-pocket spending exceeding 10% of household income. KEY RESULTS: Among veterans aged 18-64, ACA implementation was associated with a 26% decrease in likelihood of catastrophic health expenditures (absolute change, -1.4 percentage points [pp]; 95% CI, -2.6 to -0.2; p=0.03), which fell from 5.4% pre-ACA to 3.9% post-ACA. This was driven by a 38% decrease in catastrophic spending among veterans with non-VHA coverage (absolute change, -1.8pp; 95% CI, -3.0 to -0.6; p=0.003). In contrast, catastrophic expenditure rates among veterans aged 65+ remained high, at 13.0% pre- and 12.5% post-ACA. Major drivers of veterans' spending post-ACA include dental care, prescription drugs, and home care. CONCLUSIONS: ACA implementation was associated with reduced household catastrophic health expenditures for younger but not older veterans. These findings highlight gaps in veterans' financial protection and areas amenable to policy intervention.

From Listening to Action: Academic Surgical Departmental Response to Social Injustice Through Curricular Development.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the development and evaluation of a structured department wide cultural competency curriculum. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Despite numerous organizational policies and statements, social injustice and bias still exist. Our department committed to assist individuals of the entire department to develop foundational knowledge and skills to combat implicit bias and systemic racism through the creation of a cultural competency curriculum. The purpose of this manuscript is to detail our curriculum and the evaluation of its effectiveness. METHODS: Using a well-established curriculum development framework, a cultural competency curriculum was developed focusing on knowledge, skills and attitudes at the individual level, for all members of the department. The curriculum was implemented through 6-hour-long sessions over a 9-week period. Effectiveness was assessed through a post curriculum survey. RESULTS: Twenty percent of the respondents had experienced bias based on race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation in the past 12 months, whereas 30% had experienced bias based on sex. Seventy-one percent independently explored related topics. The curriculum was overall well received and generally achieved the goals and objectives. CONCLUSION: Using a standard curriculum development framework, an effective department-wide cultural competency curriculum can be developed and implemented.

Strong for Surgery: Association Between Bundled Risk Factors and Outcomes After Major Elective Surgery in the VA Population.

BACKGROUND: Strong for Surgery (S4S) is a public health campaign focused on optimizing patient health prior to surgery by identifying evidence-based modifiable risk factors. The potential impact of S4S bundled risk factors on outcomes after major surgery has not been previously studied. This study tested the hypothesis that a higher number of S4S risk factors is associated with an escalating risk of complications and mortality after major elective surgery in the VA population. METHODS: The Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) database was queried for patients who underwent major non-emergent general, thoracic, vascular, urologic, and orthopedic surgeries between the years 2008 and 2015. Patients with complete data pertaining to S4S risk factors, specifically preoperative smoking status, HbA1c level, and serum albumin level, were stratified by number of positive risk factors, and perioperative outcomes were compared. RESULTS: A total of 31,285 patients comprised the study group, with 16,630 (53.2%) patients having no S4S risk factors (S4S0), 12,323 (39.4%) having one (S4S1), 2,186 (7.0%) having two (S4S2), and 146 (0.5%) having three (S4S3). In the S4S1 group, 60.3% were actively smoking, 35.2% had HbA1c > 7, and 4.4% had serum albumin < 3. In the S4S2 group, 87.8% were smokers, 84.8% had HbA1c > 7, and 27.4% had albumin < 3. Major complications, reoperations, length of stay, and 30-day mortality increased progressively from S4S0 to S4S3 groups. S4S3 had the greatest adjusted mortality risk (adjusted odds radio [AOR] 2.56, p = 0.04) followed by S4S2 (AOR 1.58, p = 0.02) and S4S1 (AOR 1.34, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: In the VA population, patients who had all three S4S risk factors, namely active smoking, suboptimal nutritional status, and poor glycemic control, had the greatest risk of postoperative mortality compared to patients with fewer S4S risk factors.

Academic Advancement in Global Surgery: Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure: Recommendations From the American Surgical Association Working Group on Global Surgery.

: There is growing interest in global surgery among US academic surgical departments. As academic global surgery is a relatively new field, departments may have minimal experience in evaluation of faculty contributions and how they integrate into the existing academic paradigm for promotion and tenure. The American Surgical Association Working Group on Global Surgery has developed recommendations for promotion and tenure in global surgery, highlighting criteria that: (1) would be similar to usual promotion and tenure criteria (eg, publications); (2) would likely be undervalued in current criteria (eg, training, administrative roles, or other activities that are conducted at low- and middle-income partner institutions and promote the partnerships upon which other global surgery activities depend); and (3) should not be considered (eg, mission trips or other clinical work, if not otherwise linked to funding, training, research, or building partnerships).

Epidemiology of Injuries Sustained by Civilians and Local Combatants in Contemporary Armed Conflict: An Appeal for a Shared Trauma Registry Among Humanitarian Actors.

BACKGROUND: Conflict-related injuries sustained by civilians and local combatants are poorly described, unlike injuries sustained by US, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and coalition military personnel. An understanding of injury epidemiology in twenty-first century armed conflict is required to plan humanitarian trauma systems capable of responding to population needs. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of databases (e.g., PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, World Health Organization Catalog, Google Scholar) and grey literature repositories to identify records that described conflict-related injuries sustained by civilians and local combatants since 2001. RESULTS: The search returned 3501 records. 49 reports representing conflicts in 18 countries were included in the analysis and described injuries of 58,578 patients. 79.3% of patients were male, and 34.7% were under age 18 years. Blast injury was the predominant mechanism (50.2%), and extremities were the most common anatomic region of injury (33.5%). The heterogeneity and lack of reporting of data elements prevented pooled analysis and limited the generalizability of the results. For example, data elements including measures of injury severity, resource utilization (ventilator support, transfusion, surgery), and outcomes other than mortality (disability, quality of life measures) were presented by fewer than 25% of reports. CONCLUSIONS: Data describing the needs of civilians and local combatants injured during conflict are currently inadequate to inform the development of humanitarian trauma systems. To guide system-wide capacity building and quality improvement, we advocate for a humanitarian trauma registry with a minimum set of data elements.

Gender and Specialty Influences on Personal and Professional Life Among Trainees.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the impact of surgical training on lifestyle and parenthood, and to assess for gender-based workplace issues. BACKGROUND: The effects of a surgical career on lifestyle are difficult to quantify and may vary between male and female doctors. A gender gap is present in the highest tiers of the profession, and reasons why women do not attain senior positions are complex but likely relate to factors beyond merit alone. METHODS: An anonymous Web-based survey was distributed to Irish surgical and nonsurgical trainees. They were asked questions regarding family planning, pregnancy outcomes, parenthood, and gender issues in the workplace, with results analyzed by sex and specialty. RESULTS: Four hundred sixty trainees responded with a response rate of 53.0%; almost two thirds were female. Female trainee surgeons were less likely to have children than their male counterparts (22.5% vs 40.0%, P = 0.0215). Pregnant surgical trainees were more likely to have adverse pregnancy events than the partners of their male contemporaries (65.0% vs 11.5%, P = 0.0002), or than their female nonsurgical colleagues (P = 0.0329). Women were more likely to feel that they had missed out on a job opportunity (P < 0.001) and that their fellowship choice was influenced by their gender (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The current study highlights some areas of difficulty encountered by female surgical trainees. Surmounting the barriers to progression for female surgeons, by addressing the perceived negative impacts of surgery on lifestyle, will likely encourage trainee retention of both genders.

Disease-free Survival and Local Recurrence for Laparoscopic Resection Compared With Open Resection of Stage II to III Rectal Cancer: Follow-up Results of the ACOSOG Z6051 Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the disease-free survival (DFS) and recurrence after the treatment of patients with rectal cancer with open (OPEN) or laparoscopic (LAP) resection. BACKGROUND: This randomized clinical trial (ACOSOG [Alliance] Z6051), performed between 2008 and 2013, compared LAP and OPEN resection of stage II/III rectal cancer, within 12 cm of the anal verge (T1-3, N0-2, M0) in patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The rectum and mesorectum were resected using open instruments for rectal dissection (included hybrid hand-assisted laparoscopic) or with laparoscopic instruments under pneumoperitoneum. The 2-year DFS and recurrence were secondary endpoints of Z6051. METHODS: The DFS and recurrence were not powered, and are being assessed for superiority. Recurrence was determined at 3, 6, 9, 12, and every 6 months thereafter, using carcinoembryonic antigen, physical examination, computed tomography, and colonoscopy. In all, 486 patients were randomized to LAP (243) or OPEN (243), with 462 eligible for analysis (LAP = 240 and OPEN = 222). Median follow-up is 47.9 months. RESULTS: The 2-year DFS was LAP 79.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 74.4-84.9) and OPEN 83.2% (95% CI 78.3-88.3). Local and regional recurrence was 4.6% LAP and 4.5% OPEN. Distant recurrence was 14.6% LAP and 16.7% OPEN.Disease-free survival was impacted by unsuccessful resection (hazard ratio [HR] 1.87, 95% CI 1.21-2.91): composite of incomplete specimen (HR 1.65, 95% CI 0.85-3.18); positive circumferential resection margins (HR 2.31, 95% CI 1.40-3.79); positive distal margin (HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.30-3.77). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic assisted resection of rectal cancer was not found to be significantly different to OPEN resection of rectal cancer based on the outcomes of DFS and recurrence.

High Prevalence of Adenomatous Polyps in Alaska Native People Aged 40-49 years.

BACKGROUND: Although colorectal cancer occurs earlier in life and at twice the frequency in Alaska Native (AN) people compared with the general population, the colorectal polyp burden in this group has not been quantified. In addition, an appropriate age for initial screening in ANs has not been defined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 766 AN people who had screening colonoscopy from 2015 to 2016 was performed. The polyp burden in patients aged 40-49 y was compared with that in those aged 50-59 y in both the AN and the general US populations. RESULTS: In total, 345 adenomas were removed: 121 (35%) from 40- to 49-year-olds and 224 (65%) from 50- to 59-year-olds. Twenty-six percent of AN people aged 40 y to 49 y and 40% of AN people aged 50 to 59 y had at least one adenoma. Low- and high-risk adenomas were significantly less frequent in the younger group (22% versus 29%, P = 0.048; 9.2% versus 15%, P = 0.035; respectively). Advanced adenomas were also less frequent in the younger group, although not statistically significant. Polyp histology, size, location, and morphology did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The adenoma and advanced adenoma prevalence in 40- to 49-year-old AN people is high, suggesting colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 40 y in ANs.

Sex Disparities in Access to Surgical Care at a Single Institution in Malawi.

INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of data regarding sex-based disparities in surgical care delivery, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study sought to determine whether sex disparities are present among patients presenting with surgical conditions in Malawi. Hypothesis compared to men, fewer women present to Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) with peritonitis and have longer delays in presentation for definitive care. METHODS: This study performs a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all general surgery patients with peritonitis presenting to KCH in Lilongwe, Malawi, from September 2013 to April 2016. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were used to assess the effect of sex on mortality, length of stay, operative intervention, complications, and time to presentation. RESULTS: Of 462 patients presenting with general surgery conditions and peritonitis, 68.8% were men and 31.2% were women. After adjustments, women had significantly higher odds of non-operative management when compared to men (OR 2.17, 95%CI 1.30-3.62, P = 0.003), delays in presentation (adjusted mean difference 136 h, 95%CI 100-641, P = 0.05), delays to operation (adjusted mean difference 1.91 days, 95%CI 1.12-3.27, P = 0.02), and longer lengths of stay (adjusted mean difference 1.67 days, 95%CI 1.00-2.80, P = 0.05). There were no differences in complications or in-hospital or Emergency Department mortality. CONCLUSION: Sex disparities exist within the general surgery population at KCH in Lilongwe, Malawi. Fewer women present with surgical problems, and women experience delays in presentation, longer lengths of stay, and undergo fewer operations. Future studies to determine mortality in the community and driving factors of sex disparities will provide more insight.

Association of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Symptoms With Mortality After Elective Noncardiac Surgery Among Patients With Heart Failure.

Importance: Heart failure is an established risk factor for postoperative mortality, but how left ventricular ejection fraction and heart failure symptoms affect surgical outcomes is not fully described. Objectives: To determine the risk of postoperative mortality among patients with heart failure at various levels of echocardiographic (left ventricular systolic dysfunction) and clinical (symptoms) severity compared with those without heart failure and to evaluate how risk varies across levels of surgical complexity. Design, Setting, and Participants: US multisite retrospective cohort study of all adult patients receiving elective, noncardiac surgery in the Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Project database from 2009 through 2016. A total of 609 735 patient records were identified and analyzed with 1 year of follow-up after having surgery (final study follow-up: September 1, 2017). Exposures: Heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction, and presence of signs or symptoms of heart failure within 30 days of surgery. Main Outcome and Measure: The primary outcome was postoperative mortality at 90 days. Results: Outcome data from 47 997 patients with heart failure (7.9%; mean [SD] age, 68.6 [10.1] years; 1391 women [2.9%]) and 561 738 patients without heart failure (92.1%; mean [SD] age, 59.4 [13.4] years; 50 862 women [9.1%]) were analyzed. Compared with patients without heart failure, those with heart failure had a higher risk of 90-day postoperative mortality (2635 vs 6881 90-day deaths; crude mortality risk, 5.49% vs 1.22%; adjusted absolute risk difference [RD], 1.03% [95% CI, 0.91%-1.15%]; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.67 [95% CI, 1.57-1.76]). Compared with patients without heart failure, symptomatic patients with heart failure (n = 5906) had a higher risk (597 deaths [10.11%]; adjusted absolute RD, 2.37% [95% CI, 2.06%-2.57%]; adjusted OR, 2.37 [95% CI, 2.14-2.63]). Asymptomatic patients with heart failure (n = 42 091) (2038 deaths [crude risk, 4.84%]; adjusted absolute RD, 0.74% [95% CI, 0.63%-0.87%]; adjusted OR, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.44-1.63]), including the subset with preserved left ventricular systolic function (1144 deaths [4.42%]; adjusted absolute RD, 0.66% [95% CI, 0.54%-0.79%]; adjusted OR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.35-1.57]), also experienced elevated risk. Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients undergoing elective noncardiac surgery, heart failure with or without symptoms was significantly associated with 90-day postoperative mortality. These data may be helpful in preoperative discussions with patients with heart failure undergoing noncardiac surgery.

Sex Differences in Civilian Injury in Baghdad From 2003 to 2014: Results of a Randomized Household Cluster Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To examine sex differences in injury mechanisms, injury-related death, injury-related disability, and associated financial consequences in Baghdad since the 2003 invasion of Iraq to inform prevention initiatives, health policy, and relief planning. BACKGROUND: Reliable estimates of injury burden among civilians during conflict are lacking, particularly among vulnerable subpopulations, such as women. METHODS: A 2-stage, cluster randomized, community-based household survey was conducted in May 2014 to determine the civilian burden of injury in Baghdad since 2003. Households were surveyed regarding injury mechanisms, healthcare required, disability, deaths, connection to conflict, and resultant financial hardship. RESULTS: We surveyed 900 households (5148 individuals), reporting 553 injuries, 162 (29%) of which were injuries among women. The mean age of injury was higher among women compared with men (34 ±â€Š21.3 vs 27 ±â€Š16.5 years; P < 0.001). More women than men were injured while in the home [104 (64%) vs 82 (21%); P < 0.001]. Fewer women than men died from injuries [11 (6.8%) vs 77 (20%); P < 0.001]; however, women were more likely than men to live with reduced function [101 (63%) vs 192 (49%); P = 0.005]. Of intentional injuries, women had higher rates of injury by shell fragments (41% vs 26%); more men were injured by gunshots [76 (41%) vs 6 (17.6%); P = .011). CONCLUSIONS: Women experienced fewer injuries than men in postinvasion Baghdad, but were more likely to suffer disability after injury. Efforts to improve conditions for injured women should focus on mitigating financial and provisional hardships, providing counseling services, and ensuring access to rehabilitation services.

Global Surgery: Effective Involvement of US Academic Surgery: Report of the American Surgical Association Working Group on Global Surgery.

: There is an unacceptably high burden of death and disability from conditions that are treatable by surgery, worldwide and especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The major actions to improve this situation need to be taken by the surgical communities, institutions, and governments of the LMICs. The US surgical community, including the US academic surgical community, has, however, important roles to play in addressing this problem. The American Surgical Association convened a Working Group to address how US academic surgery can most effectively decrease the burden from surgically treatable conditions in LMICs. The Working Group believes that the task will be most successful (1) if the epidemiologic pattern in a given country is taken into account by focusing on those surgically treatable conditions with the highest burdens; (2) if emphasis is placed on those surgical services that are most cost-effective and most feasible to scale up; and (3) if efforts are harmonized with local priorities and with existing global initiatives, such as the World Health Assembly with its 2015 resolution on essential surgery. This consensus statement gives recommendations on how to achieve those goals through the tools of academic surgery: clinical care, training and capacity building, research, and advocacy. Through all of these, the ethical principles of maximally and transparently engaging with and deferring to the interests and needs of local surgeons and their patients are of paramount importance. Notable benefits accrue to US surgeons, trainees, and institutions that engage in global surgical activities.

Ensuring Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Academic Surgery: An American Surgical Association White Paper.

OBJECTIVE: The leadership of the American Surgical Association (ASA) appointed a Task Force to objectively address issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion with the discipline of academic surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Surgeons and the discipline of surgery, particularly academic surgery, have a tradition of leadership both in medicine and society. Currently, we are being challenged to harness our innate curiosity, hard work, and perseverance to address the historically significant deficiencies within our field in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion. METHODS: The ASA leadership requested members to volunteer to serve on a Task Force to comprehensively address equity, diversity, and inclusion in academic surgery. Nine work groups reviewed the current literature, performed primary qualitative interviews, and distilled available guidelines and published primary source materials. A work product was created and published on the ASA Website and made available to the public. The full work product was summarized into this White Paper. RESULTS: The ASA has produced a handbook entitled: Ensuring Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Academic Surgery, which identifies issues and challenges, and develops a set of solutions and benchmarks to aid the academic surgical community in achieving these goals. CONCLUSION: Surgery must identify areas for improvement and work iteratively to address and correct past deficiencies. This requires honest and ongoing identification and correction of implicit and explicit biases. Increasing diversity in our departments, residencies, and universities will improve patient care, enhance productivity, augment community connections, and achieve our most fundamental ambition-doing good for our patients.

Electricity and generator availability in LMIC hospitals: improving access to safe surgery.

BACKGROUND: Access to reliable energy has been identified as a global priority and codified within United Nations Sustainable Goal 7 and the Electrify Africa Act of 2015. Reliable hospital access to electricity is necessary to provide safe surgical care. The current state of electrical availability in hospitals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) throughout the world is not well known. This study aimed to review the surgical capacity literature and document the availability of electricity and generators. METHODS: Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic search for surgical capacity assessments in LMICs in MEDLINE, PubMed, and World Health Organization Global Health Library was performed. Data regarding electricity and generator availability were extracted. Estimated percentages for individual countries were calculated. RESULTS: Of 76 articles identified, 21 reported electricity availability, totaling 528 hospitals. Continuous electricity availability at hospitals providing surgical care was 312/528 (59.1%). Generator availability was 309/427 (72.4%). Estimated continuous electricity availability ranged from 0% (Sierra Leone and Malawi) to 100% (Iran); estimated generator availability was 14% (Somalia) to 97.6% (Iran). CONCLUSIONS: Less than two-thirds of hospitals providing surgical care in 21 LMICs have a continuous electricity source or have an available generator. Efforts are needed to improve electricity infrastructure at hospitals to assure safe surgical care. Future research should look at the effect of energy availability on surgical care and patient outcomes and novel methods of powering surgical equipment.