Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Published on: October 31, 2010
Comparing the cost-effectiveness of short orthopedic missions in elective and relief situations in developing
Richard A Gosselin1, Gus Gialamas, Dave M Atkin
1Institute for Global Othopaedics and Traumatology, University of California San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Ave., Room 3A36, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA. froggydoc@gmail.com
Background:
The earthquake that occurred in Haiti on 12 January 2010 elicited an unprecedented response from the American orthopedic community. Many small organizations, such as Operation Rainbow, were thrust into the unfamiliar environment of relief surgery, whereas they normally provide short elective reconstruction missions in developing countries.
Materials:
Because of the chaotic nature of relief work, it was assumed that the organization's efforts would be less cost-effective than their usual elective work. To evaluate this conclusion, the present study was designed to compare the cost-effectiveness of the organization's usual elective missions with the emergency relief provided in the wake of the Haiti earthquake.
Results And Conclusions:
The assumption that emergency costs would be higher was proven wrong, with estimates of $362 per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted in the elective group, and $343 per DALY averted in the relief group.
