For surgeons, Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are a necessity. They’ve been shown to help enhance efficiency, reduce medication errors, and improve clinical outcomes[1] – but they take up a substantial amount of time in a surgeon’s already busy schedule. Fifty-one general surgeon attendings spend 2 hours per day logged into EHRs, with the top 15% of users logging in for an average of 4.6 hours per weekday.[2] Though these systems are important for improving hospital and patient records, many are not designed with ease of use in mind. With 70% of physicians using EHRs suffering from health information technology-related stress contributing to burnout[3], these systems are adding additional pressure onto already busy workloads.

As surgery moves increasingly towards minimally invasive outpatient procedures[4] and digital technologies, also referred to as Digital Solutions or MedTech, become more prevalent in the OR, there is a risk that using this tech could contribute to the cognitive overload many surgeons are already experiencing. With 53% of surgeons contending with burnout[5], it’s clear that new technologies need to be developed with paramount consideration given to the unmet needs of surgeons in efforts to minimize contributing to this mental overload.

The Tech Burnout Problem

While many physicians see the benefits that digital platforms bring to them and their patients, they also worry about tech getting in the way of their work. A 2020 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report found that problems with the systems themselves, such as a lack of user-friendly design and interoperability, are making them less effective. “The continuing usability issues include electronic records being difficult to read and cumbersome to use, with difficulties for users in being able to rapidly identify or record essential pieces of information.” “There are also problems with effective error prevention, minimization of cognitive load (alert fatigue), and effective feedback.”[6]

For surgeons, adopting new digital technologies in their practice means some specialists, such as spinal surgeons,[7] need expertise in both traditional open surgeries as well as newer laparoscopic methods – effectively doubling the training required.

New Tech Making It Easier

Is it possible for expanding and evolving MedTech platforms to simplify a physician’s workload, rather than make it more difficult? Joe Makoid, Senior Sales Manager for Ethicon Digital Solutions, says in order to make something that works for physicians, creators must be careful in how these digital tools are designed and implemented.

The C-SATS™ product – a surgical insights and data management technology – leverages video-based assessment and AI-driven data analytics to help surgeons improve their technical proficiency. C-SATS was founded by surgeons, so it was built with a deep understanding of their unmet needs at its core.

Unfortunately, that isn’t the case for many digital technologies entering the healthcare ecosystem. The OECD report points out that instead of aiding the work of healthcare professionals, many new technologies get in the way[6]: “Most challenges [with new technologies] result from a failure to adequately engage end-users in the design process and understand the complexity of work in healthcare, despite the existence of well-developed methods that can aid such engagement and understanding.[6]”

So how can new technologies help to make the process easier for surgeons?

• They can facilitate the secure storage and organization of data through AI and machine learning, which may one day enable the automation of data entry.[8]

• 3D pre-operative imaging and planning systems can help reduce operating time[9,10], minimize the mental gymnastics associated with using 2D CT and MRI scans[11], and provide surgeons with a clear roadmap for surgery.[12] 3D models can also be shared with patients, making it easier for surgeons to effectively communicate plans before surgery so patients can better understand their personal procedure plan.

• Digital platforms can connect surgeons with their peers through communities that create a network of support and empowerment. These communities, such as the one the C-SATS product offers, can help foster a connection among practitioners beyond the limits of their immediate professional circle.

New technologies can engage surgeons throughout the design process and subsequent iterations in efforts to ensure that the platform is fit for purpose and created with a realistic view of the complex healthcare environment in which it will be used.

Surgical technology advancements are already considered a game-changer in enabling less invasive procedures that result in shorter recovery times, fewer post-operative complications, and better overall outcomes for patients.[13] As new technologies are designed for use in clinical practice, creators must bear the ease of use in mind in order to develop platforms that address unmet needs, make surgeries simpler, and reduce variation in care – while minimizing the cognitive burden on surgeons.