The value of collision feedback in robotic surgical skills training

Collision feedback about instrument and environment interaction is often lacking in robotic surgery training devices. The PoLaRS virtual reality simulator is a newly developed desk trainer that overcomes drawbacks of existing robot trainers for advanced laparoscopy. This study aimed to assess the effect of haptic and visual feedback during...

A controlled adaptive computational network model of a virtual coach supporting speaking up by healthcare professionals to optimise patient safety

Previous reports show that a substantial proportion of (near) medical errors in the operating theatre is attributable to ineffective communication between healthcare professionals. Speaking up about observed medical errors is a safety behaviour which promotes effective communication between health care professionals, consequently optimising...

Crossover-effects in technical skills between laparoscopy and robot-assisted surgery

Introduction: Robot-assisted surgery is often performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons. However, this technique requires a different set of technical skills and surgeons are expected to alternate between these approaches. The aim of this study is to investigate the crossover effects when switching between laparoscopic and robot-assisted...

Safe implementation of hand held steerable laparoscopic instruments: a survey among EAES surgeons

The complexity of handheld steerable laparoscopic instruments (SLI) may impair the learning curve compared to conventional instruments when first utilized. This study aimed to provide the current state of interest in the use of SLI, the current use of these in daily practice and the type of training which is conducted before using SLI in the...

The value of force and torque measurements in transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME)

Background: Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is associated with a relatively long learning curve. Force, motion, and time parameters are increasingly used for objective assessment of skills to enhance laparoscopic training efficacy. The aim of this study was to identify relevant metrics for accurate skill assessment in more complex...

Can doctors identify older patients at risk of medication harm following hospital discharge?: A multicentre prospective study in the UK

Aims: Medication-related harm (MRH) is common in older adults following hospital discharge. In resource-limited health systems, interventions to reduce this risk can be targeted at high-risk patients. This study aims to determine whether (1) doctors can predict which older patients will experience MRH requiring healthcare following hospital...

Surgical phase modelling in minimal invasive surgery

Background: Surgical Process Modelling (SPM) offers the possibility to automatically gain insight in the surgical workflow, with the potential to improve OR logistics and surgical care. Most studies have focussed on phase recognition modelling of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy, because of its standard and frequent execution. To demonstrate...

Surgical flow disturbances in dedicated minimally invasive surgery suites:: An observational study to assess its supposed superiority over conventional suites

Background: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is frequently compromised by surgical flow disturbances due to technology- and equipment-related failures. Compared with MIS in a conventional cart-based OR, performing MIS in a dedicated integrated operating room (OR) is supposed to be beneficial to patient safety. The aim of this study was to...

Investigation of Olympus TJF‐Q180V Scopes at UMC Utrecht regarding contamination found after cleaning and disinfection: Reporting, Conclusions and Suggestions

In 2015, a multi-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia bacteria (“MR Klebsiella”) was found in two Olympus video duodenoscopes of the type TJF-Q180V in the Utrecht University Medical Center (“UMC Utrecht”) after the culturing of flush samples (sterile physiological saline), which were sent through the suction and biopsy channels. This report describes...

Identification of risk factors in minimally invasive surgery: a prospective multicenter study

Background: Since the introduction of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), concerns for patient safety are more often brought to the attention. Knowledge about and awareness of patient safety risk factors are crucial in order to improve and enhance the surgical team, the environment, and finally surgical performance. The aim of this study was to...