Data-Driven Surgical Education: A Conversation with Dr. Peter Nau

In the ever-evolving field of surgery, the integration of data and technology has ushered in a new era of surgical training and education, where precision and proficiency are elevated. We recently had the privilege of speaking with Peter Nau, MD, MS, FACS, Clinical Professor of Surgery-Gastrointestinal, Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery, Surgical Director of the Digestive Health Center, and Program Director, Bariatric Fellowship at the University of Iowa. Dr. Nau generously shared insights into the realm of data-driven surgery and how it has transformed the way he trains fellows. 

Dr. Nau’s approach to surgical training is rooted in the utilization of surgical video data. He actively harnesses this data in shaping the education of his fellows, affording them invaluable learning opportunities for continuous enhancement. This forward-thinking approach actively contributes to the cultivation of safer and more adept surgeons, underscoring the immense potential of data-driven surgery in the domain of medical education. Join us in unraveling the world of data-driven surgery and its profound impact on the medical landscape. 

Phase Identification Leveraging Surgical Video Data and AI 

Dr. Nau’s journey with data-driven surgery started with a Caresyntax-supported project centered around cholecystectomy and artificial intelligence, specifically focusing on phase identification. Caresyntax sought a collaboration with Dr. Nau, who had been recommended by colleagues at the University of Iowa, to help gather surgical video data. 

Data-Driven Lap Chole, Bariatric and Hernia Surgery 

Initially, the collaboration focused on collecting laparoscopic cholecystectomy videos, but it quickly expanded into various other surgical procedures, such as bariatric and hernia surgeries. Dr. Nau emphasized that the real impact of data-driven surgery is for more complex procedures. 

Utilizing Video Data for Training Fellows 

The core of data-driven surgery lies in the utilization of surgical video data. Dr. Nau shared how he regularly reviews videos of Fellows’ surgeries, providing them with invaluable feedback. For example, he recently reviewed a video with a new Fellow to guide them in performing a bypass surgery safely. This approach allows for continuous learning and improvement, reducing the risks associated with surgical procedures. 

“We invest in the future of our Fellow physicians by sharing our knowledge through videos, allowing them to witness our techniques, thoughts, and strategies. By doing so, we pave the path for safer, more proficient surgeons.” 

Investing in the Future of Surgical Education 

Dr. Nau describes the impact of merging experience and mentorship as an investment in the future: “We invest in the future of our Fellow physicians by sharing our knowledge through videos, allowing them to witness our techniques, thoughts, and strategies. By doing so, we pave the path for safer, more proficient surgeons.”  

Dr. Nau’s innovative use of surgical video data as an educational tool has proven to be beneficial. His Fellows now have the opportunity to revisit their surgeries and learn from their mistakes without the pressures that can be experienced during real-time surgery. This approach significantly accelerates their learning curve, ensuring that they become safer and more proficient surgeons, a testament to the power of blending experience and mentorship in medical education. 

A Data-Driven Approach to Continuous Improvement 

Incorporating surgical video assessment allows Fellows to adopt a mindset of continuous improvement that can accelerate the learning curve. “Learning from both successes and mistakes, we embrace a continuous improvement mindset, “observed Dr. Nau, “This video-based approach accelerates the learning curve and ensures that when our Fellow enters the operating room, they are armed with the wisdom of experience, without the pressure of real-time teaching. It’s a commitment to excellence in healthcare and a dedication to the safety of our patients.” Dr. Nau reports that his Fellows are open to this type of feedback. 

“This video-based approach accelerates the learning curve and ensures that when our Fellow enters the operating room, they are armed with the wisdom of experience, without the pressure of real-time teaching. It’s a commitment to excellence in healthcare and a dedication to the safety of our patients.” 

Dr. Nau has a unique perspective on surgical education. He envisions expanding the use of data-driven surgery to include residents at various levels. Comparing their assessments to those of expert surgeons can showcase the objectivity of this approach and ensure a broader pool of assessors. 

Promoting Objectivity in Surgical Skills Assessment 

One appealing aspect of video assessment is its objectivity. Dr. Nau highlighted that the video evaluation process is inherently blind to factors such as gender, age, or race. In a world where unconscious biases can affect assessment, this objectivity is a crucial advantage of data-driven surgery. 

The Future Benefits of Data-Driven Surgical Education 

Looking ahead, Dr. Nau sees several exciting possibilities for data-driven surgery, including a future where hospitals and healthcare institutions can use video assessments as a benchmark for surgeons’ skills. Surgeons with high-quality video scores could receive higher reimbursements, ultimately driving better patient outcomes. Data-driven surgery, as exemplified by Dr. Pete Nau’s experiences, holds immense promise for the world of surgery.  

By harnessing the power of surgical video data, surgeons can continuously improve their skills, reduce risks, and ensure patient safety. As the medical community further embraces this technology, we can look forward to a future where training to achieve surgical excellence is more accessible and transparent than ever before. 

To learn more about the benefits of data-driven surgery for clinical, operational, and financial efficiency, subscribe to the Caresyntax Smart Surgery Blog.