International neurosurgical volunteerism: a temporal, geographic, and thematic analysis of foundation for international education in neurological surgery volunteer reports

Objective: To examine the experiences of volunteers of the Foundation for International Education in Neurological Surgery.

Methods: A qualitative analysis of >150 volunteer reports from 2004-2013 was performed using grounded theory. Various themes were explored based on their occurrence in the reports.

Results: Volunteer reports of extended trips appeared to peak in 2009, with a heavy emphasis on activity in Africa. Prominent themes in the reports included volunteer contributions, successful strategies, challenges, and future directions.

Conclusions: Volunteers demonstrated wide-ranging contributions. Successful strategies included continuity and collaboration with other organizations. Challenges were overwhelmingly related to equipment or infrastructure. Common suggestions for future directions included institutional collaboration and subspecialty development.