The AHSN Network is working with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and the Royal College of Surgeons of England to host a series of events to understand the challenges and how to address them when it comes to the introduction of innovation in surgery.
The events will bring experts together to design better ways to evaluate and embed new surgical techniques and devices into the NHS. These events will be informed by a five-year research project led by Professor Jane Blazeby and supported by the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre. The research identified areas in need of improvement regarding the introduction of novel and evolving surgical and invasive procedures, and initiated research to examine the nature and scale of these issues.
The study showed the lack of standard processes and the need to develop fit-for-purpose policies surrounding surgical innovation, and echoed the conclusions from the 2020 Cumberlege report which highlighted the need for change.
The first in this series of online events was held on Wednesday 3 November. Around 140 people attended, including surgeons, medical directors, governance leads, patients, researchers, regulators, innovators and industry representatives.
Following this event, there are plans for two more events focusing on patient consent, and evaluation following the introduction of new surgical procedures.
If you would like to register your interest in future events in this series, please email with the link provided below.
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