Systematic review of workforce and institutional readiness for neurological emergencies in Low and Middle Income Countries
1
Faculty of Clinical Science, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Category Capacity Building / Health Services and Policy
BACKGROUND:
Neurological emergencies such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and status epilepticus require timely interventions. LMIC hospitals often face workforce shortages, limited critical equipment, and inadequate protocols, affecting patient outcomes. A systematic review was conducted to summarize evidence on institutional readiness and workforce capacity for neurological emergencies in LMICs.
METHODS:
A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and regional databases for studies published between 2010–2025. Inclusion criteria: studies reporting workforce availability, institutional capacity, emergency protocols, or training programs for neurological emergencies in LMICs. Data extraction focused on staff numbers, specialist availability, equipment access, protocol implementation, and workflow efficiency. Descriptive synthesis summarized gaps and patterns across studies.
RESULTS:
Across 32 included studies, staff shortages affected 41.8–59.2% of neurological emergency shifts. On-call neurology specialists were available 34.7–50.3% of the time. Essential equipment was inadequate in 32.5–48.1% of hospitals. Protocol adherence ranged from 50.2–63.7%, and workflow inefficiencies delayed interventions in 36.4–53.1% of cases. Regional variation was noted, with rural and smaller hospitals demonstrating the greatest gaps.
CONCLUSIONS:
LMIC hospitals face substantial gaps in workforce, equipment, and protocol adherence for neurological emergencies. Strengthening staff training, improving resource allocation, and standardizing emergency protocols are critical to enhance timely care and reduce inequities. This review highlights priority areas for policy and capacity building interventions.
Category Capacity Building / Health Services and Policy
BACKGROUND:
Neurological emergencies such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and status epilepticus require timely interventions. LMIC hospitals often face workforce shortages, limited critical equipment, and inadequate protocols, affecting patient outcomes. A systematic review was conducted to summarize evidence on institutional readiness and workforce capacity for neurological emergencies in LMICs.
METHODS:
A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and regional databases for studies published between 2010–2025. Inclusion criteria: studies reporting workforce availability, institutional capacity, emergency protocols, or training programs for neurological emergencies in LMICs. Data extraction focused on staff numbers, specialist availability, equipment access, protocol implementation, and workflow efficiency. Descriptive synthesis summarized gaps and patterns across studies.
RESULTS:
Across 32 included studies, staff shortages affected 41.8–59.2% of neurological emergency shifts. On-call neurology specialists were available 34.7–50.3% of the time. Essential equipment was inadequate in 32.5–48.1% of hospitals. Protocol adherence ranged from 50.2–63.7%, and workflow inefficiencies delayed interventions in 36.4–53.1% of cases. Regional variation was noted, with rural and smaller hospitals demonstrating the greatest gaps.
CONCLUSIONS:
LMIC hospitals face substantial gaps in workforce, equipment, and protocol adherence for neurological emergencies. Strengthening staff training, improving resource allocation, and standardizing emergency protocols are critical to enhance timely care and reduce inequities. This review highlights priority areas for policy and capacity building interventions.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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