Gaps and priorities in innovation for children's surgery

Abstract

Lack of access to pediatric medical devices and innovative technology contributes to global disparities in children's surgical care. There are currently many barriers that prevent access to these technologies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Technologies that were designed for the needs of high-income countries (HICs) may not fit the resources available in LMICs. Likewise, obtaining these devices are costly and require supply chain infrastructure. Once these technologies have reached the LMIC, there are many issues with sustainability and maintenance of the devices. Ideally, devices would be created for the needs and resources of LMICs, but there are many obstacles to innovation that are imposed by institutions in both HICs and LMICs. Fortunately, there is a growing interest for development of this space, and there are many examples of current technologies that are paving the way for future innovations. Innovations in simulation-based training with incorporated learner self-assessment are needed to fast-track skills acquisition for both specialist trainees and non-specialist children's surgery providers, to scale up access for the larger population of children. Pediatric laparoscopy and imaging are some of the innovations that could make a major impact in children's surgery worldwide.