Artificial Intelligence for Surgical Care in War-Torn Sudan: Feasibility, Barriers, and Ethical Perspectives

Completed

• Conditions: Artificial Intelligence (AI); Disasters; Developing Countries; Surgical Procedures, Operative; War Injury; Wounds and Injuries; Health Services Accessibility

• Registration Number: NCT07149012
• Lead Sponsor: Sudan Medical Specialization Board

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.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2024-10-01
• Primary Completion: 2025-06-01
• Study Completion: 2025-06-01
• Status Verified: 2025-08
• Study First Submitted: 2025-08-15
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-08-22
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-08-22
• Study First Posted: 2025-08-29
• Last Update Posted: 2025-08-29

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 185

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.

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
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.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Sudan Medical Specialization Board; 🇸🇩 Wad Medani, Al Jazīrah, Sudan