Abstract
Purpose of Review
Surgical pathology is very common, but access to even basic care is not universal. Volunteers, either individually or as part of a larger organization, have arisen to fill this gap. As volunteerism is ubiquitous, true audits of cost-effectiveness are equally as rare. We explore the economic benefits of volunteerism as well as potential metrics by which its cost-effectiveness may be assessed.
Recent Findings
There are a number of models after which a volunteer program may be structured—from the individual volunteer visiting a particular center to the establishment of self-sustaining units which themselves become training hubs. Cost-effectiveness analyses are uncommon but recommended in order to achieve efficiency with respect to finances as well as human capital. Establishing a universal metric such as disability adjusted life years averted (DALY) allows for cost comparisons across different programs. Several tools are available to assess cost-effectiveness including a number of software programs produced by the World Health Organization.
Summary
Volunteerism can be tremendously beneficial both to individual and to the host centers or countries. Establishing local centers which provide ongoing care and treatment with volunteer support seems to be the most impactful way in which surgical missions should be structured. Cost-effectiveness analyses are encouraged, and a number of tools and even a checklist exist which provide a framework for this purpose.
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Satyendra Persaud and Leah Chisholm declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
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Persaud, S., Chisholm, L. Cost-Effectiveness and Economic Benefits of Volunteerism. Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep 15, 362–365 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-020-00619-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-020-00619-8