Humanitarian initiative among members of the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: A descriptive survey of experiences and perspectives.

INTRODUCTION

Humanitarian oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) is essential in addressing unmet surgical needs in low-resource and underserved populations. Although UK OMFS surgeons contribute to various international initiatives, limited evidence exists regarding the experiences and perspectives of BAOMS members engaged in such humanitarian work. This exploratory study aimed to describe the nature of humanitarian involvement among BAOMS members, the challenges encountered, and perspectives regarding sustainable global surgical engagement within the specialty.

METHODS

An exploratory cross-sectional descriptive survey was distributed to BAOMS members with prior experience in overseas humanitarian or charitable surgical work. A mixed-methods analysis approach was used. Quantitative data were summarised using descriptive statistics, and qualitative free-text responses underwent descriptive analysis with thematic categorisation.

RESULTS

A total of 11 BAOMS members with prior humanitarian experience responded to the survey. Most respondents were consultant OMFS surgeons in practice (63.6%), with humanitarian activity reported across 22 countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and Americas. Missions commonly lasted one to three weeks, with many surgeons engaging repeatedly over several years. Self-funding was the dominant funding mechanism (n=10; 90.9%). Key challenges included personal financial cost, securing sufficient leave, logistical and equipment limitations. Respondents expressed strong enthusiasm for continued involvement and support for formal BAOMS-led initiatives.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides novel descriptive insight into humanitarian engagement among BAOMS members. BAOMS members contribute extensively to humanitarian surgery, providing both direct patient care and local training. Addressing financial, logistical, and organisational challenges through structured support may enhance sustainability and broaden participation. These findings highlight the potential for BAOMS to strengthen organisational support for humanitarian missions and further promote impactful global OMFS humanitarian practice.