Pitfalls and Strategies for Implementing and Sustaining an Otolaryngology Perioperative Registry in Mekelle, Ethiopia

Surgical registries have been widely adopted in high-income countries to improve patient outcomes. However, similar data-driven initiatives are still scarce in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

This study aimed to address the challenges of implementing a perioperative registry for otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) in Mekelle, Ethiopia, and to assess strategies for ensuring its long-term sustainability.

The registry was developed using REDCap, through a collaborative effort between otolaryngologists in the United States and Ethiopia, ensuring its relevance to the local context. On-site training sessions were conducted for 13 OHNS residents and four senior surgeons to facilitate their use of the registry. A Wi-Fi router was installed in the operating room to enable real-time data entry. Continuous support was provided through remote communication between the local team and the U.S. research team. Sustainability strategies focused on fostering local ownership, integrating the registry into existing workflows, and maintaining continuous data monitoring.

Despite facing challenges like intermittent internet connectivity and issues with workflow integration, the local team successfully integrated the registry into routine clinical and surgical practices. Key strategies included providing dedicated Wi-Fi routers, modifying registry fields for improved efficiency, and emphasizing the registry's value to the institution. Ongoing collaboration between the local team and the U.S. team enabled continuous optimization and data collection.

The successful implementation of this perioperative registry underscores the importance of engaging local stakeholders and integrating sustainable workflows. This initiative serves as a model for other LMICs seeking to establish surgical registries that enhance data-driven decision-making at both the patient and institutional levels.