Lived Experience of Volunteers During Humanitarian Surgical Missions: A Qualitative Study Protocol

Background: Humanitarian surgical missions play a critical role in addressing health disparities, particularly in low-resource settings where conditions such as cleft lip and palate (CL/P) are prevalent. The success of these missions relies heavily on the commitment of volunteers, including healthcare professionals and logistical personnel. While their contributions are widely acknowledged, the psychological and emotional impact of participating in such missions remains underexplored. Objective: This study protocol aims to explore the lived experience of volunteers involved in humanitarian surgical missions. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), will be conducted. Semi-structured interviews will be carried out with volunteers who have participated in at least one humanitarian surgical mission. Interviews will be audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed to identify emerging themes. Data collection will continue until saturation is reached. The reporting of this study will follow the COREQ guidelines. Expected Results: This study is expected to provide a deeper understanding of the emotional and professional experiences of volunteers in surgical missions. Expected results include identifying key themes related to motivation and preparation, on-site engagement, field experience, interpersonal relationships and group dynamics, and personal reflections. These results will inform strategies to enhance the effectiveness of missions, improve volunteer support, and ensure the sustainability of humanitarian interventions. Additionally, these findings will contribute to the broader field of international health volunteering and support future program development. Conclusions: This protocol outlines a rigorous qualitative approach to investigating the lived experience of volunteers in humanitarian surgical missions. The anticipated findings are expected to inform targeted training, psychological support, and organizational strategies, ultimately improving the effectiveness and sustainability of future missions and the well-being of volunteers.