By Funmi Iyono

In this exclusive interview, Oluremikun Oyefolu, a public health researcher with the Johns Hopkins Global Alliance of Perioperative Professionals (GAPP), speaks on his ongoing work in perioperative safety, global surgical readiness, and the evolving landscape of health systems in low-resource environments.

Your research this year focuses on perioperative systems. What are the main priorities of your work?

We are identifying the major system gaps that influence surgical outcomes, especially in settings where resources are limited. Our work examines workforce readiness, emergency protocols, safety checklists, and patient monitoring tools. The goal is to make surgical care safer and more consistent.

Why does perioperative care remain a critical global health priority?

Because millions of preventable surgical complications still occur worldwide. In some regions, perioperative mortality is several times higher than in wealthier countries. Strengthening these systems can save lives immediately.

What emerging trends are you observing in perioperative safety research?

More hospitals are recognizing that perioperative safety depends on teamwork and communication, not just clinical skill. We are also seeing increased interest in data-driven approaches that help facilities track delays, errors, and near-miss events more accurately.

How does your team adapt research findings to low-resource environments?

We design recommendations that are simple, affordable, and realistic for facilities without advanced equipment. We test our tools with partner hospitals across several continents to ensure they can work in real clinical settings.

What challenges do perioperative teams face most often?

Common challenges include limited staffing, communication gaps during procedures, and inconsistent adherence to safety checklists. These may seem small, but they significantly increase surgical risks.

How important is workforce readiness in improving surgical safety?

It is central. Even the best equipment cannot compensate for poorly coordinated teams. When surgical staff communicate well and understand their roles, patient outcomes improve dramatically.

How are data and analytics shaping modern perioperative care?

Data is helping hospitals identify patterns—such as frequent delays, recurring complications, or workflow problems. With this information, facilities can make targeted improvements that reduce preventable errors.

What motivates your focus on surgical safety?

Every patient deserves safe care, regardless of where they live. Knowing that better systems can prevent unnecessary harm keeps me committed to this work.

What partnerships are important in advancing your research?

Collaborations between researchers, surgeons, anesthetists, nurses, and public health professionals are essential. Each group sees different parts of the surgical pathway, and combining those perspectives leads to stronger solutions.

What is the next phase of your research at GAPP?

We are expanding our datasets to better understand high-risk scenarios and developing tools that strengthen multidisciplinary teamwork. The long-term goal is to create global models that any hospital can apply to enhance perioperative safety.