About the Department
About the Department
The Department of Biosurgery and Surgical Technology (led by Professor Nagy Habib) was created by the integration of the Biosurgery Section and Surgical Technology sections of SAIC. It is based on the strengths of translational research that have been built by the collaborations with the Kennedy Institute and the Departments of Computing, Institute of Bio-Medical Engineering (IBE), Department of Mechanical Engineering. The Biosurgery section of the Department, primarily based at Charing Cross is led by Professor Justin Cobb.
The mission of this Department is to build further on the existing cross-Faculty research collaborations to advance knowledge in Engineering, Medicine, and the Biological Sciences through world-class interdisciplinary research. The Department has major strengths in Robotics and Imaging. It looks forward to the key role it will play in the development of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. It has already developed strong links with the Department of Computing where close collaboration and joint appointments are in place. This group pioneered the work on medical imaging, simulation technology and eye tracking methodology. The Department has also strong collaboration with Department of Mechanical Engineering and Physics. This has enabled the Department to pioneer its work on surgical skills through simulation, virtual reality, telemedicine links and eventually robotic developments.
By cutting across disciplines, drawing on and refocusing the vast reservoir of skill and experience found throughout the College, we can provide the translational element of new technologies that will enhance surgical practice in the future.The Department has built very strong relationships with industry, government, healthcare providers, and educational institutions for the translation of its research into practical applications. The Department, in conjunction with the Institute of Bio- Medical Engineering has concentrated its research activities around Robotics, Image guided surgery, simulation, Biological Sensors, Ergonomics and Human Performance. Potential for development alongside the Medicine Simulator, associated with the Department of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care at Chelsea & Westminster will be explored as part of the Division’s plans for supporting the Government’s policy for continuous assessment of doctors and the possible introduction of the need for re-accreditation.
The Department has created the Smith and Nephew Clinical Safety Unit, sponsored by the Smith and Nephew Charitable Foundation, under the direction of Professor Charles Vincent. Two Lecturers and a growing research team support Professor Vincent. The Unit has already expanded its interests in several directions including A&E Medicine as well as Surgical teams. The potential for a significant increase in the influence of this Unit is greatly enhanced by the creation of the new Division. The Department is establishing new areas of research expertise in the fields of Ergonomics – which will link closely with Clinical Safety – and in Surgical Quality and Epidemiology. The inclusion of Anatomy and Communication Skills as part of the formation of the new Division will much enhance the opportunities available for development of new and innovative methods of education and training at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
The Department has a strong programme for both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching including participation in the Surgery and Anaesthetics pathway of the BSc programme. It runs two MSc programmes – in Surgical Science and in Surgical Technology, as well as a Masters in Education. Plans for further taught course developments are in hand and for innovative approaches to new methods of learning and training for medical staff and other healthcare professionals.
The Department is also developing a strong reputation in the field of educational research – its pioneering work in surgical education was recognized by the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2001.
The Department is establishing new areas of research expertise in the fields of Ergonomics – which will link closely with Clinical Safety – and in Surgical Quality and Epidemiology.
It also plans to take on responsibility for Anatomy and is preparing new initiatives associated with the opportunities available for development of new and innovative methods of education and training at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
A community of researchers, clinicians and others is needed to examine the full spectrum of research, clinical, organisational and policy issues. In particular we plan to address six key themes:
• Assessing the nature and scale of harm: safety in surgery;
• Diagnostic error and decision making;
• Teamwork to enhance safety;
• Learning and solutions;
• The integration of perspectives;
• The journey to safety.
Each of these themes comprises a defined programme of research which will evolve and mature in the next five years. Our research is currently centred on surgery and A&E but we are exploring themes that are relevant in almost any healthcare setting. Core funding from the NCCRCD is sought to form a backbone to the Unit. Specific project funding will also be sought to supplement the proposed core programme.
