Delays in Care for Children With Low Anorectal Malformations in Southwestern Uganda.

Introduction: Disparities in anorectal malformation (ARM) outcomes between high- and low-income countries may be due to delayed diagnosis in the latter setting. The Three Delays model, comprising delays in seeking, accessing, and receiving care, provides a framework for exploring these challenges. We sought to examine the frequency and nature of the preoperative delays in children presenting for surgical correction of low ARMs.

The Impact of Virtual Reality as a Rehabilitation Method Using TRAVEE System on Functional Outcomes and Disability in Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study.

Background: Stroke is the third leading cause of disability. Virtual reality (VR) has shown promising results in post-stroke rehabilitation. The VR TRAVEE system was designed for the neuromotor rehabilitation of the upper limb after a stroke and offers the ability to track limb movements by providing auditory feedback and visual augmentation.

Effectiveness of primary repair for low anorectal malformations in Uganda.

Background: Anorectal malformations (ARMs) have an incidence of up to 1 in 4000 live births and can require immediate neonatal surgery due to associated intestinal blockage. Due to limited surgical access, Ugandan children present late and undergo three separate staged operations: (1) initial colostomy formation; (2) repair of the ARM (called anoplasty); and (3) colostomy closure. Three operations result in long treatment duration, potential complications with each procedure, delays in care, and stigmata associated with colostomies.

GAPS Phase III: incorporation of capacity based weighting in the global assessment for pediatric surgery.

Introduction: The Global Assessment for Pediatric Surgery (GAPS) tool was developed to enhance pediatric surgical care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. This study presents the addition of a capacity-based weighting system to the GAPS tool.

Methods: GAPS, developed through a multi-phase process including systematic review, international testing, item analysis, and refinement, assesses 64 items across 5 domains: human resources, material resources, education, accessibility, and outcomes.