Artificial Intelligence (AI), Developing Countries, Disasters, Health Services Accessibility, Surgical Procedures, Operative, War Injury, Wounds and Injuries
Conditions
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence, Surgeon Training, Technology Adoption in Surgery, Humanitarian Health
Brief summary
This study is designed to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) could be applied to support surgical care in Sudan during the ongoing armed conflict. The conflict has disrupted hospital operations, displaced surgical teams, and limited access to specialists and modern technology. The investigators are conducting a survey of Sudanese surgeons working in public, private, military, and conflict-zone hospitals to assess awareness of AI, interest in its application, and perceived challenges. In addition, in-depth interviews with senior surgeons and residents are being performed to further explore perspectives on AI in surgical care. This study represents one of the first attempts to investigate the role of AI in surgery within an active conflict setting in Africa. Findings from this research are expected to inform the design of AI tools that are tailored for fragile health systems, including offline and low-bandwidth environments.
Interventions
OTHERArtificial Intelligence Awareness and Feasibility Assessment
A sequential explanatory mixed-methods assessment of surgeons' awareness, readiness, and perceived barriers to adopting artificial intelligence in surgical care during the ongoing Sudan conflict. The intervention consisted of: A validated, structured online questionnaire adapted from established AI awareness tools, assessing familiarity, perceived benefits, barriers, and ethical concerns. Semi-structured interviews with senior surgical residents and consultants to explore contextual and ethical perspectives in greater depth. The study did not implement AI tools in practice but focused on measuring feasibility and identifying requirements for future AI deployment in conflict-affected surgical systems.
Sponsors
Sudan Medical Specialization Board
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
OTHER
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Sudanese general surgery residents or consultants. * Currently working in public, private, military, NGO, or conflict-zone hospitals within Sudan. * Able to provide informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
* Surgeons working outside Sudan. * Non-surgical medical specialties. * Inability or unwillingness to complete the survey or participate in interviews.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Awareness of Artificial Intelligence in Surgical Care Among Sudanese Surgeons | At survey completion (October 2024 - June 2025) | Measured using a structured questionnaire including domains of familiarity with AI concepts, perceived benefits, and potential applications in perioperative care. Responses are recorded on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (not at all familiar/beneficial/applicable) to 5 (very familiar/beneficial/applicable). Higher scores indicate greater awareness and more positive perceptions. |
Countries
Sudan
Outcome results
None listed