A scoping review of the current state of video in the use of training of cardiac surgeons in LMICs protocol

Abstract

Abstract Background The lack of quality cardiac surgery training programmes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been widely recognized as a significant barrier to delivering high-quality and accessible cardiac surgical care. This paper aims to discuss the potential role of leveraging video technology as an adjunct to cardiac surgery training in LMICs. Leveraging video technology allows cardiac surgeons in LMICs to potentially gain exposure quickly to a broader range of procedures, which they otherwise would not have received owing to the lack of facilities and trainers in their individual countries. Objective The primary aim of the review is to assess the current use of video-related modalities in surgeon training in LMICs. Secondary aims include identifying potential use of video-related modalities in cardiac surgeon training in LMICs and identifying barriers to use of video-related modalities in cardiac surgeon training in LMICs. Design This protocol has been designed in accordance to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. A systematic search with the following terms ‘low-and-middle-income countries’, ‘video technologies’ and ‘education and cardiac surgery’ was carried on SCOPUS, MEDLINE, EMBASE and WHO Medical Indicus databases. Studies will be screened by two independent assessors using the designed inclusion and exclusion criteria, with conflicts resolved by a third party. Conclusion This review will provide a wide review on the available literature on the use of video in cardiac surgery training in LMICs, and act as a base to kickstart future research in this area.