Transnational Capacity Building Efforts in Global Neurosurgery: A Review and Analysis of Their Impact and Determinants of Success

Background: Neurosurgical capacity building efforts attempt to address the shortage of neurosurgeons and lack of neurosurgical capacity in low- and middle-income countries. This review sought to characterize neurosurgical capacity building efforts in low- and middle-income countries and the challenges they face and identify factors that predict higher engagement, better training, and performance of high-impact activities.

Methods: A scoping review using PubMed and Embase databases was performed, and relevant articles were identified. Programs were classified into 6 categories, and their activities were classified as having a high-, medium-, or mild impact on capacity. Programs were also classified using the Olivieri engagement and training criteria.

Results: Fifty-seven articles representing 42 unique efforts were included. The most important determinant of impact was a program's design and intent. Furthermore, 91% of training and twinning programs received high (class 2 or 3) engagement classifications compared to 17% of mission trips and training camps (P < 0.001); 91% of training and twinning programs received high training classifications compared to 64% of mission trips and training camps (P = 0.015); and 91% of training and twinning programs reported performing high-impact activities compared to 29% of mission trips and training camps (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Training and twinning programs are more engaged, offer better training, and are more likely to perform high-impact activities compared to mission trips and training camps, suggesting that these types of programs offer the greatest chance of producing substantial and sustainable improvements to neurosurgical capacity.