Multidisciplinary Appraisal of Novel Surgical Technologies – Is This a New Standard?

What is it about?

Numerous technological advances has permeated our daily lives and also the medical sphere from novel minimally invasive technologies to multiple different robotically assisted surgical platforms utilised for both oncological and benign reconstructive procedures. When introduced into a new healthcare system and departments they have a wide-ranging organisational impact. Therefore, we discuss the need and benefits of a 360-degree appraisal of these novel technologies.

Featured Image

Photo by fabio on Unsplash

Photo by fabio on Unsplash

Why is it important?

New surgical technologies have a wide ranging and organisational impact on a number of different aspects of the patient pathway and care, and can impact a number of different healthcare professionals from beyond the surgical and anaesthetic team to the ward/recovery staff to resident doctors and managerial team in a way which is not captured in standard reporting tools. A 360-degree appraisal of all relevant stakeholders would help to provide a comprehensive view of every aspect of the new technology on the patient pathway, and identify key learning points and areas for improvement. This simple and practical process would be cost-free and provide real-world experiential data and feedback. Doing so, it may improve utility of new technologies, inform new protocols and device development by assessing usability and functionality. Alternatively, it may also prevent departments from buying new non-beneficial expensive surgical technologies and prevent the development of a costly ‘white elephant’.

Perspectives