Citation

Trelles Centurion M, Crestani R, Dominguez L, Caluwaerts A, Benedetti G. Curr. Trauma Rep. 2018; 4(2): 89-95.

Affiliation

4Operational Research Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières, 68, Rue de Gasperich, L-1617 Luxembourg, Luxembourg.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s40719-018-0124-4

PMID

29888165

PMCID

PMC5972172

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In a challenging scenario, such as in the aftermath of a natural disaster, minimum standards of care must be in place from the moment surgical care activities are launched. RECENT FINDINGS: Natural disasters cause destruction and human suffering, especially in low- and middle-income countries, which suffer the most when exposed to their consequences. Health systems can quickly get overwhelmed and can collapse under the burden of injured patients during this event, while qualified surgical care remains crucial. Medécins Sans Frontières (MSF) has a vast experience providing surgical care after natural disasters, and quality is assured through the Donabedian model. Minimum structure standards are put in place from the beginning of an emergency response, together with standard operating procedures providing guidance to professionals working in challenging conditions. SUMMARY: MSF believes that it is always possible to deliver surgical care, ensuring the best possible quality guaranteeing adequate levels of structure and process. The "do no harm" principle must always be respected as adherence to medical ethics is a must in any context, even a challenging one.

Language: en

Keywords

Anesthesia; Doctors Without Borders; Limited resources; Minimum standards, surgical care quality; Médecins sans Frontières; Natural disasters; Surgery