Outcomes Improvement in Global Surgery A Case Study of Urethral Stricture Management in Senegal

Abstract

Surgical diseases constitute a significant proportion of the global burden of disease. International surgical organizations are uniquely positioned to provide much needed surgical care while simultaneously empowering local providers to offer the highest quality of care possible within their resource framework. Accomplishing this goal requires a dedicated effort at data collection and outcomes monitoring to promote the practice of evidence-based medicine. This project explores the relationship between a US-based urological NGO – IVUmed, and a large government hospital in Senegal to assess whether this partnership has resulted in improved patient outcomes. Based on direct observation and a retrospective review of the hospital’s urological records, we identify areas of concern and offer practical solutions to address the issues.