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Mapping Perioperative Care Randomized Controlled Trials in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review.
Laila Collier1, Ameer S-J Hohlfeld2, Bruce M Biccard1
1From the Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|March 13, 2025
Summary
This study reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) perioperative care, finding a rise in research but poor reporting quality. Enhancing trial capacity and adherence to guidelines is crucial for improving surgical outcomes in SSA.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Surgical Care
- Anesthesia
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces significant challenges in surgical and anesthesia care, with 93% lacking access to essential services and double the global average postsurgery mortality.
- Perioperative research is vital for developing context-specific solutions, yet SSA conducts fewer randomized controlled trials (RCTs) than high-income nations, limiting its global evidence contribution.
Conclusions:
- Perioperative care RCTs in SSA are increasing but limited by small sample sizes, under-representation of high-burden surgical areas, and poor reporting quality.
- Clinical trial capacity is concentrated in a few countries and institutions, with persistent methodological quality issues.
- Enhancing high-quality, context-appropriate RCTs through collaborative efforts is essential for improving perioperative care research and outcomes in Africa.
