Open AccessComparing the Cost‐Effectiveness of Short Orthopedic Missions in Elective and Relief Situations in Developing Countries
Author(s) -
Gosselin Richard A.,
Gialamas Gus,
Atkin Dave M.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
world journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.115
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1432-2323
pISSN - 0364-2313
DOI - 10.1007/s00268-010-0947-9
Subject(s) - medicine , orthopedic surgery , developing country , medical emergency , work (physics) , elective surgery , vascular surgery , surgery , general surgery , cardiac surgery , engineering , economic growth , economics , mechanical engineering
Background The earthquake that occurred in Haiti on 12 January 2010 elicited an unprecedented response from the American orthopedic community. Many small organizations, such as Operation Rainbow, were thrust into the unfamiliar environment of relief surgery, whereas they normally provide short elective reconstruction missions in developing countries. Materials Because of the chaotic nature of relief work, it was assumed that the organization’s efforts would be less cost‐effective than their usual elective work. To evaluate this conclusion, the present study was designed to compare the cost‐effectiveness of the organization’s usual elective missions with the emergency relief provided in the wake of the Haiti earthquake. Results and conclusions The assumption that emergency costs would be higher was proven wrong, with estimates of $362 per disability‐adjusted life‐year (DALY) averted in the elective group, and $343 per DALY averted in the relief group.