Surgical Procedures, OperativeNCT07149012
Artificial Intelligence for Surgical Care in War-Torn Sudan: Feasibility, Barriers, and Ethical Perspectives
An observational study of Surgical Procedures, Operative and Artificial Intelligence (AI), run by Sudan Medical Specialization Board at 1 site in Sudan.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Any age
- Conditions the study is for
- Surgical Procedures, Operative, Artificial Intelligence (AI), War Injury
- What is being tested?
- Artificial Intelligence Awareness and Feasibility Assessment
- How many people
- 185 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSudan
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2024to 1 Jun 2025
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages Any age
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Study population: General surgery residents and consultants practicing in Sudan during the ongoing armed conflict, representing public, private, military, NGO, and conflict-zone hospitals across multiple regions. Participants include surgeons at various training levels, from early-year residents to senior consultants.
Who may be able to join
- Sudanese general surgery residents or consultants.
- Currently working in public, private, military, NGO, or conflict-zone hospitals within Sudan.
- Able to provide informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Surgeons working outside Sudan.
- Non-surgical medical specialties.
- Inability or unwillingness to complete the survey or participate in interviews.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Artificial Intelligence for Surgical Care in War-Torn Sudan: Feasibility, Barriers, and Ethical Perspectives From a Conflict Zone
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.
- Conditions
- Surgical Procedures, Operative, Artificial Intelligence (AI), War Injury, Wounds and Injuries, Disasters, Health Services Accessibility
- Being tested
- Artificial Intelligence Awareness and Feasibility Assessment
- Keywords
- Artificial Intelligence, Surgeon Training, Technology Adoption in Surgery, Humanitarian Health
- Medical subject headings
- Wounds and Injuries
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Artificial Intelligence Awareness and Feasibility AssessmentOther
Also called AI Readiness Survey, AI in Surgical Care Study Sudan, AI Training and Barriers Assessment
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.
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Awareness of Artificial Intelligence in Surgical Care Among Sudanese Surgeons
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.
Measured: At survey completion (October 2024 - June 2025)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Aug 2025
- Study start1 Oct 2024
- Primary completion1 Jun 2025
- Study completion1 Jun 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Surgical Procedures, OperativeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Other
- Enrolment
- 185 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Sudan Medical Specialization Board
- Sponsor type
- Other government
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Alsadig Suliman, Sudan Medical Specialization Board
- Investigators
- Alsadig Suliman, MBBS, Msc, Principal investigator, Sudan Medical Specialization Board
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07149012
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SMSB-AI-SURG-SUDAN-2025
- Status last verified
- Aug 2025
- First submitted
- 15 Aug 2025
- Last updated
- 29 Aug 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared because the dataset contains sensitive information collected from healthcare professionals working in conflict-affected regions. Sharing could risk identification of participants despite anonymization, given the small and specialized population.
Publications
Alsaedi AR, Alneami N, Almajnoni F, Alamri O, Aljohni K, Alrwaily MK, Eid M, Budayr A, Alrehaili MA, Alghamdi MM, Almutairi ED, Eid MH. Perceived Worries in the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence Among Healthcare Professionals in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study. Nurs Rep. 2024 Nov 28;14(4):3706-3721. doi: 10.3390/nursrep14040271.
PubMed 39728632Fleming CA, Ali O, Clements JM, Hirniak J, King M, Mohan HM, Nally DM, Burke J; Association of Surgeons in Training (ASIT). Surgical trainee experience and opinion of robotic surgery in surgical training and vision for the future: a snapshot study of pan-specialty surgical trainees. J Robot Surg. 2022 Oct;16(5):1073-1082. doi: 10.1007/s11701-021-01344-y. Epub 2021 Nov 26.
PubMed 34826106De Simone B, Abu-Zidan FM, Gumbs AA, Chouillard E, Di Saverio S, Sartelli M, Coccolini F, Ansaloni L, Collins T, Kluger Y, Moore EE, Litvin A, Leppaniemi A, Mascagni P, Milone L, Piccoli M, Abu-Hilal M, Sugrue M, Biffl WL, Catena F. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of artificial intelligence in emergency and trauma surgery, the ARIES project: an international web-based survey. World J Emerg Surg. 2022 Feb 10;17(1):10. doi: 10.1186/s13017-022-00413-3.
PubMed 35144645
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Aug 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Artificial Intelligence for Surgical Care in War-Torn Sudan: Feasibility, Barriers, and Ethical Perspectives From a Conflict Zone
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07149012
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SMSB-AI-SURG-SUDAN-2025
- Conditions
- Surgical Procedures, Operative, Artificial Intelligence (AI), War Injury, Wounds and Injuries, Disasters, Health Services Accessibility
- Keywords
- Artificial Intelligence, Surgeon Training, Technology Adoption in Surgery, Humanitarian Health
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 185 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Sudan Medical Specialization BoardOther government
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Jun 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 29 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Other
Who may qualify
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- General surgery residents and consultants practicing in Sudan during the ongoing armed conflict, representing public, private, military, NGO, and conflict-zone hospitals across multiple regions. Participants include surgeons at various training levels, from early-year residents to senior consultants.
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Sudanese general surgery residents or consultants.
- Currently working in public, private, military, NGO, or conflict-zone hospitals within Sudan.
- Able to provide informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Surgeons working outside Sudan.
- Non-surgical medical specialties.
- Inability or unwillingness to complete the survey or participate in interviews.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence Awareness and Feasibility AssessmentAlso: AI Readiness Survey, AI in Surgical Care Study Sudan, AI Training and Barriers AssessmentA 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 | – |
Primary outcome
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.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 29 Aug 2025.
- Background: PubMed 39728632Alsaedi AR, Alneami N, Almajnoni F, Alamri O, Aljohni K, Alrwaily MK, Eid M, Budayr A, Alrehaili MA, Alghamdi MM, Almutairi ED, Eid MH. Perceived Worries in the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence Among Healthcare Professionals in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study. Nurs Rep. 2024 Nov 28;14(4):3706-3721. doi: 10.3390/nursrep14040271.
- Background: PubMed 34826106Fleming CA, Ali O, Clements JM, Hirniak J, King M, Mohan HM, Nally DM, Burke J; Association of Surgeons in Training (ASIT). Surgical trainee experience and opinion of robotic surgery in surgical training and vision for the future: a snapshot study of pan-specialty surgical trainees. J Robot Surg. 2022 Oct;16(5):1073-1082. doi: 10.1007/s11701-021-01344-y. Epub 2021 Nov 26.
- Background: PubMed 35144645De Simone B, Abu-Zidan FM, Gumbs AA, Chouillard E, Di Saverio S, Sartelli M, Coccolini F, Ansaloni L, Collins T, Kluger Y, Moore EE, Litvin A, Leppaniemi A, Mascagni P, Milone L, Piccoli M, Abu-Hilal M, Sugrue M, Biffl WL, Catena F. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of artificial intelligence in emergency and trauma surgery, the ARIES project: an international web-based survey. World J Emerg Surg. 2022 Feb 10;17(1):10. doi: 10.1186/s13017-022-00413-3.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared because the dataset contains sensitive information collected from healthcare professionals working in conflict-affected regions. Sharing could risk identification of participants despite anonymization, given the small and specialized population.
Related trials for Surgical Procedures, Operative
RecruitingPhase 2/3
Testing the Role of DNA Released From Tumor Cells Into the Blood in Guiding the Use of Immunotherapy After Surgical Removal of the Bladder, Kidney, Ureter, and Urethra for Urothelial Cancer Treatment, MODERN Study
Muscle Invasive Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma, Muscle Invasive Renal Pelvis Urothelial Carcinoma
Recruiting
Surgical Outcomes of Simple Interrupted Versus Running Epidermal Sutures in Full-thickness Skin Graft Placement
Skin Graft Scar
Active, not recruitingObservational study
A Prospective Study Comparing VivAer to Alternative Surgical Procedures to Treat Nasal Airway Obstruction in Patients With Nasal Valve Dysfunction.
Nasal Airway Obstruction
Active, not recruitingObservational study
Post-Induction Low Cardiac Output Syndrome in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Cardiac Output, Low, Coronary Arterial Disease
Active, not recruiting
THE EFFECT OF FILLING MATERIAL AND PLACEMENT TECHNIQUE ON POSTOPERATIVE PAIN IN NON-SURGICAL ENDODONTIC RETREATMENT: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL
Retreatment, Endodontic Diseases
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Alsadig Suliman, MBBS, Msc principal investigator
Sudan Medical Specialization Board
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Surgical Procedures, Operative and Artificial Intelligence (AI), run by Sudan Medical Specialization Board at 1 site in Sudan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Aug 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Sudan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Awareness of Artificial Intelligence in Surgical Care Among Sudanese Surgeons (time frame: At survey completion (October 2024 - June 2025)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07149012, which also lists 3 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 29 Aug 2025.