Much of 2023 was dedicated to laying the groundwork for the expansion of the GLAP program into Africa. We have cultivated a strong relationship with COSECSA, the largest surgical educational institution in sub-Saharan Africa. Through collaborative planning sessions held onsite at the COSECSA 2023 annual conference in Addis Ababa, we have developed a strategy to integrate FLS training into the formal COSECSA curriculum and devised a plan for COSECSA to conduct remote FLS testing on their own at future COSECSA annual conferences. Additionally, we conducted a condensed GLAP course in Addis Ababa, where we provided laparoscopic simulation training to 53 Ethiopian surgeons. We also conducted a feasibility trial of remote FLS testing and grading. Out of 23 surgeons who took the FLS test, 65% successfully passed. Among these Ethiopian surgeons exposed to GLAP, 3 surgeons are now SAGES members, and one of them is coming to SAGES in Cleveland.
In addition, GLAP is a recipient of the 2024 SAGES Research Grant for the study titled: “Impact of Global Laparoscopic Advancement Pro Training Program on Fundamental of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) Test Passing Rate among COSECSA Trainees and Members in Sub-Saharan Africa Countries.” This study, to be conducted over the next 2 years, will allow GLAP to provide the GLAP Pro program to 45 COSECSA members of 3 Sub-Saharan countries, and provide FLS testing at no-cost to 90 COSECSA members. The collaboration associated with this study will enhance our partnership with COSECSA and guarantee sustained synergistic relationship between SAGES and COSECSA.
Main Achievements of 2023
- Confirmation that remote FLS testing and remote grading of technical skills can be performed successfully in Africa.
- Strengthen SAGES relationship with COSECSA through collaboration on the research study funded by SAGES Research Grant. By closely collaborating on the implementation of this study, GLAP/SAGES will foster a robust relationship with COSECSA leadership, thereby securing the long-term presence of SAGES in Africa and facilitating the expansion of FLS testing across the African continent.