Abstract
Background
Surgeons have the responsibility to continuously enhance surgical practice. Standardized
processes for institutions to validate and approve the introduction of innovative
surgical techniques do not exist. The objective of this work was to develop a model
for the introduction of innovative surgical techniques, which assists the innovating
surgeons and institution with safe implementation.
Method
A staged model for the institutional introduction of innovative surgical techniques
was developed. Relevant concepts were introduced and defined, a framework for preparation
and implementation was established, and an oversight structure was delineated.
Results
Systematic literature review and expert opinion revealed broad agreement on the core
principles and theory of surgical innovation, but also noted a lack of specific processes.
Our efforts aimed to both codify principles and provide a model for specific, best-practice
workflows. Important concepts and outputs included: (1) appropriate definition of
a sufficiently “new technique” requiring oversight; (2) the appropriate groundwork
to be performed to plan for the implementation of the new technique; (3) patient-facing
responsibilities, including informed consent; and (4) division of the introduction/adoption
process into defined phases, starting from initial discovery and preparation to piloting
and transition to standard practice, each with distinct, phase-specific tasks.
Conclusion
We present a generalizable framework for approaching the safe introduction and adoption
of innovative surgical techniques.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 03, 2020
Accepted:
March 14,
2020
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc.
