How the Crescent Vision Live may help improve the quality and reach of basic surgery in developing countries

In recent history, the main focus in the mission to improve the medical conditions in developing countries has been on Primary Health Care (PHC) and combating diseases such as Malaria, HIV/AIDS, pneumonia and malnutrition. However, often unnoticed, deaths related to easily treatable surgical conditions are unfortunately very common, especially in remote rural areas, where surgical facilities and qualified surgeons are rarely available. Improving the quality and availability of basic surgery in these rural areas is thus becoming a major concern for public health officials worldwide. In this article, we will be exploring how developing nations can improve the accessibility to surgery through tools such as the Crescent Vision Live.

Making medical devices more accessible and affordable

In developed countries, the continuous integration of robotics and new technologies in healthcare is increasing patients’ cost of care. Developing countries would benefit more from the simplification of technology and medical and surgical devices. According to Prof.dr. Jenny Dankelman, professor at TU Delft, simplifying medical technology would have a tremendous impact in saving people’s lives. 

Improving surgical training

Due to a troubling shortage of surgeons and anesthesiologists in developing countries, where transportation and communication barriers prevent a good healthcare delivery, the World Health Organization (WHO) is now incentivizing “task shifting”; training non-physician clinicians (NPCs) to perform basic surgical procedures. This would increase the reach of surgical care to remote areas while making it more affordable. However, these practitioners have to be properly trained.

Reputed institutions like the University of Toronto and the Royal College of Surgeons of England are now offering training programs and opportunities for overseas surgical trainees. A growing practice to increase the workforce in poorer countries is sharing the curriculum and expertise of more advanced countries. But in order for this training to be effective, trainees should be taught in the environment where they will be operating, with the same devices and general circumstances. Here is where a solution like the Crescent Vision Live (CVL) can serve as a bridge in connecting medical knowledge.

Crescent Med’s role

The CVL can play a part in both ends of the training process. Not only can skilled surgeons and professors record procedures in order to pass on knowledge to the trainees in remote areas, but trainees can also practice and learn on the job while wearing the headcam and get feedback and instructions in real-time. This allows trainees in rural remote areas to access and learn from the curriculum of some of the best surgeons in the world while saving time and money..