Taking inspiration from aviation, Canadian researchers have developed and are testing a surgical “black box” to record surgeries and reduce errors, according to a report from CNN.
The black box is a recorder for data from cameras positioned in the operating room. The idea is that surgeons can learn from their mistakes by watching the footage to pinpoint root causes of errors, improve technique or prep for future surgeries.
The technology has already been tested during 40 laparoscopic banding surgeries. Initial trials show that surgeons recognize few of their mistakes during surgery, and regardless of experience, a surgeon makes about 20 errors per surgery. Researchers hope the black box technology can help surgeons understand the most common errors and how to best prevent them, regardless of whether they result in patient harm.
Despite the testing, there are still significant legal barriers to the black box technology. Whether the data will be admissible in malpractice cases is one concern, especially as admission would be counterproductive to the proactive purpose of the black box technology. Currently the United States Healthcare Quality Improvement Act doesn’t allow peer-reviewed data used for improvement purposes to be used in court. However, if the data has not undergone peer review, it is admissible and can be used as evidence.
For now, the black boxes will undergo further testing in Canada, Denmark and South America. According to the report, talks are also underway with U.S. hospitals for testing purposes. If accepted by physicians, the black box could be implemented right away, as it is not yet regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
More articles on accreditation:
5 ideas for troubleshooting wait times in care
AAAHC begins search for CEO
Joint Commission calls for 'extraordinary stories'
The black box is a recorder for data from cameras positioned in the operating room. The idea is that surgeons can learn from their mistakes by watching the footage to pinpoint root causes of errors, improve technique or prep for future surgeries.
The technology has already been tested during 40 laparoscopic banding surgeries. Initial trials show that surgeons recognize few of their mistakes during surgery, and regardless of experience, a surgeon makes about 20 errors per surgery. Researchers hope the black box technology can help surgeons understand the most common errors and how to best prevent them, regardless of whether they result in patient harm.
Despite the testing, there are still significant legal barriers to the black box technology. Whether the data will be admissible in malpractice cases is one concern, especially as admission would be counterproductive to the proactive purpose of the black box technology. Currently the United States Healthcare Quality Improvement Act doesn’t allow peer-reviewed data used for improvement purposes to be used in court. However, if the data has not undergone peer review, it is admissible and can be used as evidence.
For now, the black boxes will undergo further testing in Canada, Denmark and South America. According to the report, talks are also underway with U.S. hospitals for testing purposes. If accepted by physicians, the black box could be implemented right away, as it is not yet regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
More articles on accreditation:
5 ideas for troubleshooting wait times in care
AAAHC begins search for CEO
Joint Commission calls for 'extraordinary stories'