E. O. Abara1,2, N. O. Abara2,3, S. Osaghae2, E. O. Abara1,2 1Northern Ontario School of Medicine,Clinical Sciences,Sudbury-Thunder Bay, ONTARIO, Canada 2Richmond Hill Urology and Prostate Institute,Global Health And Outreach Program,Richmond Hill, ONTARIO, Canada 3University of Texas Medical Branch, Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Galveston, TX, USA
Introduction : Since 2012, a group of surgical health professionals have undertaken an outreach to marginalized populations in West Africa aimed at ‘building capacity while providing service’. By 2014, residents have been encouraged to attend to gain experience and develop professionalism. We report the 2017 Burkina Faso experience.
Methods: For seven days, health professionals from 8 countries functioned as a team. We worked at the Ouahigouya District Hospital. The program included: Out-patient assessments and Surgeries-pediatric, oncology, general surgery, otolaryngology, orthopedics, gynecology, and urology. Transfer of skills and tricks of the trade among peers; Faculty Case-based Learning and an interactive workshop for peers and learners; Learner-Learner exchange of ideas from their institutions – all provided stimuli for professional growth. The host provided accommodation, meals and local transportation. Participants cared for their travel arrangements.
Results: There were 6 ‘diaspora ’ and 8 local surgeons, 2 anesthetists and several nurse anesthetists, OR nurses and support staff. Three residents (from the Cameroons and Texas, USA) were present. There were 200 cases in all. Short-term outcomes were satisfactory. Long-term results will be necessary to validate the efforts. The educational content of the outreach was described by most as transformative as the professionals shared knowledge and skill while patients received excellent collaborative care.
Conclusion: Short-term surgical outreach like this can be questioned as ineffective and unsustainable. However, the building of interdisciplinary, collaborative partnerships that are respectful and culturally sensitive is an asset. Our learners become winners and partners in global health for all.