Artificial Intelligence for Surgical Care in War-Torn Sudan: Feasibility, Barriers, and Ethical Perspectives

This study is designed to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) could be applied to support surgical care in Sudan during the ongoing armed conflict. The conflict has disrupted hospital operations, displaced surgical teams, and limited access to specialists and modern technology. The investigators are conducting a survey of Sudanese surgeons working in public, private, military, and conflict-zone hospitals to assess awareness of AI, interest in its application, and perceived challenges. In addition, in-depth interviews with senior surgeons and residents are being performed to further explore perspectives on AI in surgical care.

This study represents one of the first attempts to investigate the role of AI in surgery within an active conflict setting in Africa. Findings from this research are expected to inform the design of AI tools that are tailored for fragile health systems, including offline and low-bandwidth environments.

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Key information

Conditions

Surgical Procedures, Operative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Developing Countries Disasters Health Services Accessibility War Injury Wounds and Injuries

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Sudan Medical Specialization Board

Wad Medani, Al Jazirah, 14552, Sudan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Sudanese general surgery residents or consultants.
Currently working in public, private, military, NGO, or conflict-zone hospitals within Sudan.
Able to provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

Surgeons working outside Sudan.
Non-surgical medical specialties.
Inability or unwillingness to complete the survey or participate in interviews.

Treatment and study plan

Artificial Intelligence Awareness and Feasibility Assessment

Other

A sequential explanatory mixed-methods assessment of surgeons' awareness, readiness, and perceived barriers to adopting artificial intelligence in surgical care during the ongoing Sudan conflict. The intervention consisted of:

A validated, structured online questionnaire adapted from established AI awareness tools, assessing familiarity, perceived benefits, barriers, and ethical concerns.

Semi-structured interviews with senior surgical residents and consultants to explore contextual and ethical perspectives in greater depth.

The study did not implement AI tools in practice but focused on measuring feasibility and identifying requirements for future AI deployment in conflict-affected surgical systems.

Other names: AI Readiness Survey, AI in Surgical Care Study Sudan, AI Training and Barriers Assessment

Primary outcomes

Awareness of Artificial Intelligence in Surgical Care Among Sudanese Surgeons

Time frame: At survey completion (October 2024 - June 2025)

Measured using a structured questionnaire including domains of familiarity with AI concepts, perceived benefits, and potential applications in perioperative care. Responses are recorded on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (not at all familiar/beneficial/applicable) to 5 (very familiar/beneficial/applicable). Higher scores indicate greater awareness and more positive perceptions.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Sudan Medical Specialization Board

Other Gov

Registry information

Official study title

Artificial Intelligence for Surgical Care in War-Torn Sudan: Feasibility, Barriers, and Ethical Perspectives From a Conflict Zone

Important dates

Study start: 2024
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Aug 29, 2025
Registry last updated: Aug 29, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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