About the Global Surgical Metrics Programme

The Utstein Surgical Metrics Programme is an international initiative that standardises how surgical systems are measured, monitored, and improved.

Supported by the Laerdal Foundation and developed by global health experts, clinicians and policymakers, the Programme provides a concise set of evidence-based indicators that capture essential surgical care inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes.

Its goal is to enable countries, hospitals, and donors to assess system performance, compare progress over time, and guide investment in surgical infrastructure, workforce, safety, and access.

Data definitions and tools to improve decision-making

Built around a small, pragmatic core of metrics, Utstein balances global comparability with local feasibility: data elements are selected for validity, relevance, and ease of collection even in resource-limited settings. The Programme offers guidance on definitions, data sources, and reporting templates, plus tools for integrating metrics into national health information systems and quality improvement cycles.

By harmonising measurement, the Utstein Surgical Metrics Programme supports evidence-driven policy, strengthens accountability, and accelerates equitable scale-up of safe, timely, and affordable surgical care worldwide. Its community fosters capacity building, technical support, and collaborative learning so that measurement translates into measurable improvements for patients everywhere.

Partners include ministries of health, professional societies, academic institutions, and funders who collaborate to adapt and implement the metrics, share data, and champion system-wide improvement everywhere tool