• Nicolò Marchesini, Patrick Kamalo, Nikolaos Foroglou, Deborah Garozzo, Pablo Gonzalez-Lopez, Marcel Ivanov, Jesus Lafuente, Fatos Olldashi, Vincenzo Paternò, Ondra Petr, Krešimir Rotim, Jamil Rzaev, Jake Timothy, Magnus Tisell, Massimiliano Visocchi, Ahmed Negida, Enoch Uche, Lukas Rasulic, and Andreas K Demetriades.
• Global and Humanitarian Neurosurgery Committee, European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS), Brussels, Belgium.
• Neurosurgery. 2024 Oct 11.

Background And ObjectivesAccess to neurosurgical care is limited in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and in marginalized communities in high-income countries (HICs). International partnerships represent one possible means of addressing this issue. Insights from surgeons in HICs have been explored, but data from LMICs' counterparts are scarce. We aimed to study the perspectives of neurosurgeons and trainees from LMICs regarding global neurosurgery (GN) collaborations and interests, motivators, and challenges in participating.MethodsAn online survey was conducted targeting neurosurgeons and trainees from LMICs. The survey explored demographics, previous experiences, ongoing activities, interests, and barriers related to GN activities. Data were collected between July 2022 and December 2022 and analyzed.ResultsResponses involved 436 individuals. The most represented region (25%) was sub-Saharan Africa, and most respondents were male (87.8%) aged 35-49 years. Interest in GN was high, with 91% after its developments. Most respondents (96.1%) expressed interest in training, professional, or research experience in HICs, but only 18.1% could cover the expenses. A majority (73.2%) strongly agreed to return to their home country for work after HIC training. Ongoing HIC-LMIC partnerships were reported by 27.8% of respondents. Clinical exposure emerged as the most relevant motivating factor (87%), while financial concerns, lack of opportunities, and lack of program support were identified as important barriers. Funding and dedicated time were highlighted as the most crucial facilitators.ConclusionUnderstanding the perspectives of neurosurgeons and trainees from LMICs is essential to expanding HICs-LMICs collaborations and improving access to neurosurgical care worldwide. Financial support and targeted interventions are needed to address barriers and promote equitable partnerships in GN.Copyright © Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2024. All rights reserved.

5 keywords...

hide…