The Evaluation of the East,Central ＆ Southern Africa Health Community Surgical Camp

Background： Lesotho experiences human resources for health crisis, thus creating challenges in accessing specialist surgical services. In 2008, doctor-patient ratio was 1：16298. In mitigation, the ECSA Health Community initiated a south to south collaborative strategy by mobilizing a surgical camp team of 25 specialists from ECSA virtual colleges that conducted an inaugural regional surgical camp. Sixty-five complex surgeries were performed. Objectives： Our aim was to evaluate the camp and document lessons for application in future camps on planning, organization, roles of stakeholders and determine immediate patient outcomes. Methods： We used quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the adequacy of planning, organizing, coordinating and executing the camp. We collected data through self-administered questionnaires and focus group discussions. We used qualitative and quantitative methods for data analysis. For qualitative data, we used a multilayered approach of triangulation, data coding and categorizing based on emerging themes. Results： We found that camp objectives were met. Participants were satisfied with organization and coordination of the camp although 91% preferred advance notification of 6-12 months. All patients had successful outcomes. 61.9% rated partners/donors involvement as inadequate. Majority （90.5%） reported adequacy of equipment. Mobilizing participants from various countries ensured a highly qualified experienced surgical team. Conclusion： The ECSA camp was a best practice for fostering south to south cooperation in bridging knowledge and skills gap through pooling of regional expertise. The camp has potential for replication and sustainability. The high calibre and experience of the team may have contributed to the 100% success rate.