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Disparity in conference registration cost for delegates from low- and middle-income backgrounds.

ABSTRACT: Background:Better access for clinicians from low- and middle-income countries to international conferences can improve collaborative opportunities and subsequently address the knowledge gap between the weaker and stronger knowledge economies. A better understanding of the cost of international conferences may help conference organisers improve access to their conferences. This study aimed to describe the expense-associated barriers to a selection of international emergency medicine and critical care conferences, in terms of registration cost and out-of-pocket expense. Methods:A cross sectional, retrospective design was used. Registration cost variables (cost, waivers, discounts and scholarships) were collected from a cohort of international emergency medicine and critical care conferences held during 2016. The World Health Organization Purchasing Power Parity index was then applied to calculate an equitable registration cost for delegates from South Africa, Brazil, Turkey, China, Australia, Germany and the United States for each conference. Results:Twenty conferences were included. Eight conferences (36%) offered discounted rates, and another eight offered scholarships for low- and middle-income country delegates. Calculated, equitable registration rates were 2.6, 1.9, 1.9, 1.7, 0.9, 1.1 times lower than quoted respectively for South Africa, Brazil, Turkey, China, Australia and Germany compared to the rate in United States dollar. Only one conference provided equitable registration rates for all test-countries. Discussion:Current international conference registration costs (despite discounts, waivers and scholarships) are likely a barrier to including low- and middle-income delegates in the educational, networking and promotional opportunities that conferences provide. Conference organisers should consider restructuring registration costs to encourage more representative international audiences.

SUBMITTER: Arend ME

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6742593 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Disparity in conference registration cost for delegates from low- and middle-income backgrounds.

Arend Marc-Eric ME Bruijns Stevan R SR

African journal of emergency medicine : Revue africaine de la medecine d'urgence 20190301 3

<h4>Background</h4>Better access for clinicians from low- and middle-income countries to international conferences can improve collaborative opportunities and subsequently address the knowledge gap between the weaker and stronger knowledge economies. A better understanding of the cost of international conferences may help conference organisers improve access to their conferences. This study aimed to describe the expense-associated barriers to a selection of international emergency medicine and c ...[more]

PMID: 31528535

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Project description:ImportanceEndorsement of global humanitarian interventions is based on either proven cost-effectiveness or perceived public health benefits. The cost-effectiveness and long-term benefits of global humanitarian pediatric cardiac surgery are unknown, and funding for this intervention is insufficient.ObjectivesTo determine the cost-effectiveness of the intervention (multiple 2-week-long humanitarian pediatric cardiac surgery program assistance trips to various low- and middle-income countries [LMICs]) and to produce a measure of the long-lasting effects of global humanitarian programs.Design, setting, and participantsInternational, multicenter cost-effectiveness analysis of a cohort of children (aged <16 years) undergoing surgical treatment of congenital heart disease during 2015 in LMICs, including China, Macedonia, Honduras, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, and Ukraine. The study also assessed estimated improvement in the United Nations Human Development Indicators (life expectancy, years of schooling, and gross national income) for each individual survivor, as a proxy for long-term benefits of the intervention.Main outcomes and measuresThe primary outcome was cost-effectiveness of the intervention. The secondary outcomes were potential gains in life expectancy, years of schooling, and gross national income per capita for each survivor.ResultsDuring 2015, 446 patients (192 [43%] female; mean [SD] age, 3.7 [5.4] years) were served in 10 LMICs at an overall cost of $3 210 873. Of them, 424 were children. The cost-effectiveness of the intervention was $171 per disability-adjusted life-year averted. Each survivor in the cohort (390 of 424) potentially gained 39.9 disability-adjusted life-years averted, 3.5 years of schooling, and $159 533 in gross national income per capita during his or her extended lifetime at purchasing power parity and 3% discounting.Conclusions and relevanceHumanitarian pediatric cardiac surgery in LMICs is highly cost-effective. It also leaves behind a lasting humanitarian footprint by potentially improving individual development indices.

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Disparity in conference registration cost for delegates from low- and middle-income backgrounds.

Publications

Disparity in conference registration cost for delegates from low- and middle-income backgrounds.

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