Beyond Robotics - Other Digital Technologies and Their Applications in Trauma and Orthopaedics

Description

In this lecture, Luke Farrow presents a compelling overview of the integration of robotics and digital technologies in patient care, particularly focusing on the surgical pathway. Beginning with the pre-operative stage, he discusses the use of artificial intelligence in enhancing GP referrals and patient triage processes. He highlights the significance of elective surgical hubs and how AI can aid in safely determining the most suitable facilities for specific surgical procedures.



Farrow transitions into discussing telemedicine, emphasizing its role in improving access to care while also addressing sustainability concerns due to reduced carbon footprints associated with virtual consultations. He suggests the audience read a review by Prof. Haddad's team for a deeper understanding of the subject, noting successful implementations like virtual fracture clinics in the West of Scotland that have streamlined patient management.



He then moves into intra-operative innovations, introducing technologies such as augmented reality that provide surgeons with digital overlays to assist in procedures, specifically in cases like reverse shoulder arthroplasty where precise placements are critical. Farrow points out the future training potentials these technologies offer and how they can enhance operational efficiency.



Post-operatively, he advocates for the adoption of wearable technology to facilitate recovery at home and reduce hospital stays. The discussion includes evidence supporting the clinical benefits of remote monitoring, such as the earlier detection of complications that can indeed lower hospitalization costs related to wound issues.



Farrow concludes with a critical reflection on the challenges of implementing new technologies into clinical practice, stressing the necessity of careful research and validation to prevent potential harm when developing AI algorithms. He calls for regulatory guidance to ensure that innovations are implemented safely and effectively in surgical environments, relating this to existing principles of surgical innovation. His talk encapsulates the transformative potential of digital technologies in enhancing patient care from pre-operative assessments through recovery.

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