The Availability Of Equipment And Supplies For Trauma And Orthopaedic Care In Sub-saharan Africa: What Are The Challenges Faced And How Can These Be Overcome?

The Availability Of Equipment And Supplies For Trauma And Orthopaedic Care In Sub-saharan Africa: What Are The Challenges Faced And How Can These Be Overcome?

Charlotte J Nichols , Jim Turner
University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom

Annually, trauma is responsible for 5.8 million deaths worldwide (Mathers C, Fat D, Boerma J., 2008). Orthopaedic conditions account for 16% of the global disease burden (GBD, 2013). 90% of those living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not have access to surgery (Alkire B et al, 2015). Health systems vary across the region, yet many countries experience similar difficulties in accessing equipment for trauma and orthopaedic (T&O) care.

A comprehensive database search of Medline and Web of Science was conducted. A narrative literature review was performed, including studies written in English, published from 2010 onwards, and that provided information on equipment and supplies for T&O care in sub-Saharan Africa.

The search identified 227 initial results. After removing duplicates and ineligible papers, 19 papers were included in the literature review. Analysis of these studies identified that equipment items are often, but not always, unavailable in health facilities in sub-Saharan Africa. This included low and high-cost items from the pre-hospital to post-surgical phases. This lack of availability can affect morbidity and mortality outcomes throughout the healthcare system.

Findings from the literature review were collated to form suggestions to improve the availability of resources. LMICs should work to share knowledge and resources with each other, and form partnerships with higher income countries to sustainably obtain funding and devices. Future studies should assess the effectiveness of these partnerships through resource availability and community perceptions. Policy analysis and innovation are required to allow developments in manufacturing and devices.

Keywords: Equipment, Supplies, Global, Trauma, Orthopaedics, Africa, Availability, Anaesthetics