Lifebox

A global nonprofit organization focused on improving surgical safety

Lifebox logo

Lifebox is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the safety of surgical procedures in low-resource settings. Founded in 2011, Lifebox works to ensure that every operating room in the world has access to essential tools and training to provide safe surgical care. The organization was co-founded by Atul Gawande, a prominent surgeon and public health researcher, along with other leaders in global health.

Mission and Objectives

Lifebox's mission is to make surgery safer on a global scale. The organization focuses on three main objectives:

1. Improving Anesthesia Safety: Lifebox provides pulse oximeters, a critical tool for monitoring patients' oxygen levels during surgery, to hospitals in low-resource settings. This helps to prevent complications related to anesthesia.
2. Enhancing Surgical Safety: The organization promotes the use of the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist, a tool designed to improve communication and teamwork in the operating room.
3. Building Capacity: Lifebox conducts training programs for healthcare professionals to improve their skills and knowledge in providing safe surgical care.

History

Lifebox was established in response to the global need for safer surgical practices, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The founding team, including Atul Gawande, recognized the disparity in surgical safety and sought to address it through targeted interventions.

Atul Gawande, co-founder of Lifebox

Programs and Initiatives

Lifebox's programs are designed to address the critical gaps in surgical safety:

Pulse Oximetry

One of Lifebox's flagship initiatives is the distribution of affordable and reliable pulse oximeters. These devices are essential for monitoring patients' oxygen saturation levels during surgery, which is crucial for preventing hypoxia and other complications.

Surgical Safety Checklist

Lifebox advocates for the implementation of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist in operating rooms worldwide. The checklist is a simple tool that has been shown to reduce surgical complications and improve outcomes by enhancing communication among surgical teams.

Training and Education

Lifebox conducts workshops and training sessions for healthcare providers, focusing on the principles of safe surgery and the effective use of the surgical safety checklist and pulse oximeters.

Impact

Since its inception, Lifebox has made significant strides in improving surgical safety. The organization has distributed thousands of pulse oximeters to hospitals in over 100 countries and trained countless healthcare professionals in safe surgical practices.

Related Pages

• Atul Gawande
• World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist
• Global surgery
• Patient safety