An Experience in Interdisciplinary Health Systems Strengthening: Neurosurgery and Neurorehabilitation

Globally there are rising populations of persons experiencing noncommunicable disease and injuries. An estimated 1.3 billion persons live with disability. Rehabilitation services address patient needs to optimize function and manage disability. Multiple international health organizations have calls-to-action to address global health system strengthening, including the World Health Organization (WHO) Rehabilitation 2030.

Duke Global Neurosurgery & Neurology was established in 2014 to support neurosurgical expansion in Uganda. Surgical and rehabilitation systems face similar disparities in workforce, infrastructure, equipments, and practice guidelines. When these services are strengthened in silo, patient care remains at a loss.

Neurosurgery and neurorehabilitation are prime examples of services that must exist in tandem to optimize patient outcomes. In 2020, Duke Global Neurosurgery & Neurology extended their efforts to support increasing capacity for neurorehabilitation in Uganda. A panel of providers from the United States and Uganda will reflect on the experience of combining efforts and future visions for partnership.