title: Guidelines for surgeons on establishing projects in low-income countries.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is increasing interest by surgeons in high-income countries to support colleagues in low-income countries to improve the provision of surgical care, particularly in rural areas. Such interest may be demonstrated by single individuals, short-term surgical missions, or establishment of partnerships. Such altruistic efforts may cause problems unless properly planned and carried out.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed the available literature and consulted widely to establish consensus guidelines for any surgeon considering participating in an initiative to improve surgical care in low-income countries.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A series of recommendations is presented. These include ensuring that projects are appropriate, that there is an emphasis on training local healthcare providers in all aspects of perioperative care, that outcomes are monitored, and that initiatives work with local and regional training programs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With adherence to these recommendations, we hope that future partnerships and missions can maximize their effectiveness and minimize the risks of potential harm done.
authors.affiliation: International Development Committee, Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI), 35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, UK. carisgrimes@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Caris E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Grimes
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Maraka
authors.forename: Andrew N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Kingsnorth
authors.forename: Rudolph
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Darko
authors.forename: Christopher A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Samkange
authors.forename: Robert H S
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Lane
mesh_terms: D003906:Developing Countries; D013502:General Surgery / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008493:Medical Missions; D011204:Poverty Areas; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D019035:Rural Health Services; D000078329:Workforce