Using a motion-tracking headset to objectively assess surgical performance - A transition to the operating theatre

Abstract

The headset has in-built sensors that are able to track the movements of surgeons. There are specific patterns of movement that are associated with increased expertise. It is based on these specific patterns of movement that we aim to utilise to objectively assess surgeons. The project will involve surgical registrars and consultants performing operations as they normally would whilst wearing the motion-tracking headset. A transition to the operating theatre will allow us to further identify whether this headset can be used in a clinical environment and continue to provide objective assessment data. We aim to video tape the procedures to allow for further post-hoc analysis of the footage.

We hope to use a headset that can tell us how efficiently a surgeon performs an operation to allow us to improve how we assess surgeons. We aim to use this technology to improve the surgical educational landscape by creating an objective method of assessing surgeons.