CURRENT STATUS OF ORTHOPEDIC SERVICES IN THE MEKONG DELTA REGION OF VIETNAM – A MULTICENTER STUDY

Tóm tắt

Background: Orthopedic and trauma care plays a critical role in maintaining musculoskeletal health. In Viet Nam, the growing burden of injuries and degenerative conditions has increased demand for services, while resource disparities persist, particularly in the Mekong Delta region. However, empirical data on the service capacity of provincial hospitals remain limited. Objectives: To assess the capacity for delivering orthopedic and trauma services at provincial general hospitals in the Mekong Delta region of Viet Nam in 2024. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2024 at 16 provincial general hospitals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and hospital records, and included information on the organization of orthopedic and rehabilitation services, human resources, equipment, clinical activities, training, and research. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: All surveyed hospitals had an Orthopedics and Traumatology Department; however, only 81.3% had a dedicated Rehabilitation Unit or Department, most of which operated separately from orthopedics. Human resources were limited, with an estimated average of 1.3 orthopedic surgeons per 100,000 population. All hospitals were equipped with basic infrastructure such as operating tables and C-arm systems, but advanced equipment for arthroscopic and spine surgery was available in only a few centers. Professional activities and scientific research were modest, with limited participation in training programs and few international publications. Conclusion: Orthopedic and trauma services in the Mekong Delta region are relatively well established but remain uneven in terms of capacity and technological readiness. Strengthening the workforce, upgrading infrastructure and equipment, and more closely integrating rehabilitation services with orthopedic care are key strategies to improve the quality, efficiency, and equity of orthopedic services in this region.