Surgeons have knowledge gaps in the safe use of energy devices: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Abstract

General surgeons and trainees at all levels have knowledge gaps in the safe and effective use of energy devices, regardless of years of experience. There is a need for educational curricula to help address these gaps and contribute to safer surgery.

A novel approach to assess minimally invasive surgical device failure utilizing adverse event outcome severity and design complexity.

“…Users have a responsibility to adhere to instructions for use and warnings provided; however, device manufacturers have a separate responsibility to investigate, acknowledge, and address operational aspects of the device that inhibit proper use. The findings of this study support the need for a standardized curriculum for users to fill the knowledge gap related to surgical energy-based devices (Tucker and Voyles 1995, Harrell and Kopps 1998, Feldman, Fuchshuber et al 2012, Feldman, Brunt et al 2013, Watanabe, Kurashima et al 2016.…”

“…Several scientific studies indicated the need for a standardized curriculum in the safe use of energy in the operating room (Feldman, Fuchshuber et al 2012, Watanabe, Kurashima et al 2016. The Fundamental Safe Use of Energy (FUSE) program was developed to address the training, knowledge, and assessment gaps in the instances where a lack of a standardized curriculum related to surgical energy devices may contribute to a risk for injury (Feldman, Fuchshuber et al 2012).…”

“…Adverse events have been shown to be attributed to both user error as well as device-related errors. Therefore, continuous training and education for surgeons and device design improvements by manufacturers are imperative (Zingg, McQuinn et al 2009, Madani, Watanabe et al 2014, Wang 2015, Watanabe, Kurashima et al 2016.…”

“…Surgical energy devices are a common tool used by surgeons and in many cases are used on a daily basis (Watanabe, Kurashima et al 2016). Surveys results given to a target test audience revealed that only 28% of respondents considered themselves "experts" in the area of surgical energy-based devices (Feldman, Brunt et al 2013).…”

“…FUSE was launched in 2012 and includes content such as fundamentals of electrosurgery, monopolar devices, bipolar devices, endoscopic devices, and ultrasonic energy systems. Initial studies have shown that a formal curriculum in specific surgical medical devices, such as FUSE, can decrease the knowledge gap and consequentially reduce complications (Feldman, Brunt et al 2013, Overbey, Townsend et al 2015, Watanabe, Kurashima et al 2016). Yet, combined efforts from medical, design, technology, and manufacturing domains are necessary.…”