Nongovernmental organizations in musculoskeletal care: Orthopaedics Overseas.
Injuries are a major worldwide contributor to morbidity and mortality. The negative impact caused by such injuries is disproportionately heavy in developing countries. Such disparities are caused by a complex array of problems, including a lack of physical resources, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of trained health professionals. Overcoming such deficits in care will require the involvement of organizations that can offer broad-based solutions. These organizations must bridge the gap between private and public institutions to establish a systems-based approach to program development and institution-building. They must provide not just an adequate level of care, but a transfer of knowledge that leads to sustainable and cost-effective intervention. Orthopedics Overseas is an example of such an organization. We examine the development of Orthopedics Overseas and describe their interventions in Uganda as a case-study to show the unique position they have to affect change.
Coughlin
R Richard
RR
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 92110, USA. Coughlin@orthosurg.ucsf.edu
Kelly
Nancy A
NA
Berry
Wil
W
D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003906:Developing Countries; D014943:Global Health; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration; D006302:Health Services Research; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000293:injuries*; D009939:Organizations, Nonprofit; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014454:Uganda; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy*