ECRI Institute launches new education series

04-09-2014

ECRI Institute, a nonprofit organization that researches the best approaches to improving patient care, in collaboration with Hartford Hospital, has launched a new 3-part series.

The series, “Robotic Surgery and Risk Management: Virtual Conference Series”, is an approved AMA PRA Category 1 Credit/California State Nursing virtual conference.

Robotic surgery is creating a buzz among the surgical community, patients, and media, both for the promise of improved outcomes and the potential risks to patient safety. The quick deployment of surgical robots and market pressures to use this expensive new technology are prompting facilities to evaluate their robotic surgery training programs and ensure proper education for the entire surgical team.  

“The robot is a sophisticated surgical tool that can build upon a surgeon’s skill, but formalized operator and OR team training and proper, enterprise-wide safety systems are paramount,” said Dr Steven Shichman, medical director at Hartford Hospital Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation (CESI), and the Tallwood Urology & Kidney Institute. “Like with any tool, you need quality training for the best outcomes.”

James Keller, vice president, health technology evaluation and safety, ECRI Institute, said: “Robotic malfunction is a new reality in healthcare facilities. This program aims to raise awareness and provide risk management guidance about the unique medical and technical considerations associated with robotic surgery. We are thrilled to be teaming up with Hartford Hospital to help surgeons, OR teams, hospital administrators, and other healthcare professionals learn from our experience as they make important decisions regarding robotic usage in their own facilities.”

 The kick-off course, "The Building Blocks of a Robotic Surgery Program: A Risk Management Approach," begins on Thursday, October 2, 2014, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., ET. 

ECRI Institute, James Keller, US, Hartford Hospital