New Online Course on C-Arm Imaging and Radiation Safety Now Available
The new course, addressing a critical gap in surgical training, is now available on the award-winning SURGhub platform.
The Global Surgery Foundation (GSF), in collaboration with partners, launched a new online course, Introduction to C-Arm Imaging and Radiation Safety in the Operating Room.
Developed by the AO Alliance and the UBC Global Surgery Lab, with sponsorship from Siemens Healthineers, and coordination by the GSF, the course provides essential training on intraoperative imaging for healthcare professionals in resource-limited settings.
It is now accessible for free on SURGhub, the award-winning United Nations Global Surgery Learning Hub.
Addressing the Training Gap in Intraoperative Imaging
Many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) struggle to provide timely, high-quality surgical care. Trauma is a leading cause of death and disability, with over 50% of trauma patients requiring surgery. However, access to C-arm intraoperative imaging - critical for precise fracture fixation and reducing complications - is limited, particularly at the district hospital level.
Additionally, as laparoscopic surgery expands in low-resource settings and biliary disease cases rise, intraoperative imaging is increasingly important for safe, standardised procedures.
To address this, the new Imaging and Radiation Safety course equips healthcare providers with the necessary knowledge to safely use C-Arm technology, emphasising radiation safety and best practices.
Expanding intraoperative imaging capacity strengthens surgical care systems, which in turn reinforces overall health system resilience at both referral and district hospital levels.
Impactful Partnerships to Make Surgical Training Available Globally
The course was made possible through a partnership between organisations working in global surgery, academia, and industry; including the AO Alliance, the UBC Global Surgery Lab, Siemens Healthineers, and the GSF.
This collaboration highlights the importance of cross-sector partnerships in addressing educational gaps in surgical care. By combining technical expertise, educational resources, and SURGhub as the platform for dissemination, the course is expected to reach healthcare providers who might otherwise lack access to such training.
SURGhub, the Award-Winning Platform for Surgical Training
The Introduction to C-Arm Imaging and Radiation Safety in the Operating Room course covers:
How C-Arm radiation exposure affects operating room personnel and patients.
Required types of personal protective equipment.
Simple steps to reduce radiation exposure when using a C-Arm.
The course is available for free on SURGhub, the global award-winning platform launched by the GSF and UNITAR in 2023.
How to Enrol
Healthcare professionals interested in strengthening their knowledge of intraoperative imaging can enrol in the course for free on SURGhub.
To access the course, visit: https://www.surghub.org/course/introduction-intraoperative-imaging