Evolving Responsibility for SAGES: New Technology Guideline

Abstract

The SAGES Guideline Committee conducted an exhaustive literature review, a Delphi process, and focused interviews with thought leaders and Governing Board members to identify topics to be addressed by a new guideline about the ethical introduction of new technologies and techniques. Their primary goals were to fill knowledge gaps in existing literature and provide a framework useful to surgeons, patients, and health care constituents with regard to managing continual advances in technology. The guideline offers seven evidence-based recommendations, presented with quality ratings of supporting literature and recommendation strengths according to GRADE. Each advises readers on the various considerations important to the introduction, deployment, assessment, monitoring, and value of technological advances applied to clinical practice. SAGES advises all surgeons to consider carefully new technologies and techniques and to adopt a patient-first approach that ensures that self-determination and patient autonomy are preserved through transparency, management of conflicts of interest, and disclosure. Furthermore, it is advised that outcomes data be collected, and that value-based decisions be utilized whenever possible.