Assessment of laparoscopic surgery practice, knowledge, and training goals in Liberia: A mixed‐methods study among Liberian surgeons

• Published in: World journal of surgery Vol. 48; no. 10; pp. 2421 - 2432
• Main Authors: Reynolds, Christopher W., Mabanza, Tresor, Cassell, Ayun, Rooney, Deborah M., Moore‐Wilson, Yarvoh, Ketia, Aaron, Kollie, Ronald, Jeffcoach, David, Kim, Erin, Bidwell, Serena, Zatz, Marcy, Hider, Ahmad, Kim, Grace J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-10-2024
• Subjects: Adult; capacity building; case‐based learning; Clinical Competence; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; laparoscopy; Laparoscopy - education; Liberia; LMIC; Male; Middle Aged; Surgeons - education; surgical needs assessment; Surveys and Questionnaires; Liberia; case‐based learning; laparoscopy; LMIC; Liberia; surgical needs assessment; capacity building
• ISSN: 0364-2313; 1432-2323; 1432-2323
• DOI: 10.1002/wjs.12330

Background
Laparoscopy training remains inaccessible in many low‐ and middle‐income countries, including Liberia. We assessed the availability of laparoscopy and feasibility of implementing a laparoscopic program among Liberian surgeons and trainees.
Methods
This mixed‐methods study utilized a 32‐item survey and semi‐structured interviews on laparoscopic experience, knowledge, desires, barriers, patient perceptions, and training opportunities among surgeons and trainees at Liberia's two main teaching hospitals in March 2023. Data analysis utilized summed knowledge and desirability scores, descriptive statistics, and qualitative content analysis.
Results
31 interns, residents, and consultants participated, comprising 60% of Liberia's surgeons. Laparoscopic training (32%) and experience (16%) was low, with exposure limited to those training outside Liberia (p = 0.001). While laparoscopy knowledge varied (29% low, 55% medium, 16% high), participants expressed high interest in training (100%) and willingness to pay (52%). Interviews revealed four themes: desires for training, patient acceptability, feasibility of technology‐based training, and barriers including limited equipment and expert trainers. At the time of survey, the only minimally invasive surgeries ever performed in Liberia were two diagnostic laparoscopies.
Conclusions
This is the first mixed‐methods study assessing laparoscopy in Liberia. Our sample, though small, comprised approximately 60% of Liberian surgeons in both rural and urban hospitals. Findings demonstrated limited experience, variable knowledge, and high desires for training, showing feasibility for laparoscopy implementation in Liberia.