Dr. Sumait Hospital proudly announce the publication of an important international research article addressing one of the most critical challenges in global health: surgical safety and postoperative complication management in low-resource settings.
The study was authored by Abdullahi Hassan Elmi, MSc, and contributes valuable evidence and policy-relevant insights aimed at improving surgical outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, including Somalia.
Research Title
Enhancing Surgical Safety and Complication Management in Low-Resource Settings
Journal Information
Annals of Medicine & Surgery (Wolters Kluwer)
Year: 2025 | Volume: 87 | Pages: 9048–9049
Published Online: 8 October 2025
🔗 DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000004047
Overview of the Study
This scholarly correspondence highlights the persistent burden of surgical complications in low-resource environments and emphasizes that improving surgical outcomes requires more than individual clinical expertise. Instead, it calls for system-level preparedness, patient safety integration, and resilient complication management frameworks.
The article synthesizes global evidence and best practices to demonstrate how structured safety systems, quality improvement initiatives, digital health tools, and workforce development can significantly reduce preventable surgical morbidity and mortality.
Key Focus Areas of the Research
The publication addresses several critical pillars of safe surgical care:
- Patient safety as a foundational element of surgical systems
- Prevention, early detection, and management of postoperative complications
- Adaptation of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist to local contexts
- Multicomponent safety interventions and team-based training
- Continuous quality improvement and use of performance indicators
- Strengthening health information systems and digital innovation
- Investment in surgical, anesthesia, and nursing workforce capacity
Major Insights and Messages
Postoperative Complications as a Leading Risk
The study emphasizes that postoperative complications remain a primary driver of poor surgical outcomes in low-resource settings, despite patients often being younger and having fewer comorbidities.
Systems Over Individuals
Improving surgical safety requires strong systems—clear protocols, teamwork, monitoring mechanisms, and leadership commitment—rather than reliance on individual vigilance alone.
Proven Safety Tools Work
Evidence supports the effectiveness of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and bundled safety interventions when appropriately adapted and consistently implemented.
Data and Digital Health Matter
Robust health information systems and incremental adoption of digital tools enable real-time outcome tracking, better decision-making, and stronger accountability.
Human Resources Are Central
Training, mentorship, and support for surgeons, anesthetists, and perioperative nurses are essential to strengthening complication recognition and response.
Why This Research Matters
Surgical care is an essential component of universal health coverage, yet it remains underfunded and underprioritized in many low-resource settings. This research provides a clear framework for:
- Policymakers shaping national surgical strategies
- Hospital leaders strengthening patient safety systems
- Academic institutions advancing global surgery research
- Health planners improving equity and quality of care
Impact for Somalia and Low-Resource Settings
This publication represents an important contribution to global surgery discourse from Somalia. It:
- Elevates Somalia’s academic and clinical voice internationally
- Supports evidence-based surgical system strengthening
- Aligns with WHO goals for universal health coverage
- Reinforces the role of local institutions in global health research
Institutional Commitment
Dr. Sumait Hospital and SIMAD University remain committed to:
- Advancing patient safety and quality of care
- Promoting academic research and knowledge generation
- Strengthening global and regional research collaboration
- Building resilient and equitable health systems
Ethical and Publication Notes
This article is an externally peer-reviewed correspondence and did not involve human participants or patient data. Ethical approval and consent were not required.
Read the Full Article
The full article is available in Annals of Medicine & Surgery: