TELEMENTORING IN TIMES OF COVID-19 FOR TRAINING IN GENERAL SURGERY

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONTelemedicine applied to surgery is called telementorization (TM). It allows remote assistance by expert surgeons to others with less experience in certain techniques, thus guaranteeing learning that overcomes the barriers of time and location without being associated with a higher rate of complications. The objective is to publicize the use of this type of technology in our surgical department, particularly needed with the current restrictions.MATERIAL AND METHODSIn our center, the Proximie platform (www.proximie.com) is used as a tool for TM. It allows to remotely broadcast live procedures performed by expert surgeons, as well as to create a virtual library of our own procedures that can be used as study and teaching tool by residents. This platform transmits not only bidirectional image and sound, but it also allows the active participation of a remote assistant with interactive features that are projected directly on the screen of the local surgeon.RESULTSThe Proximie platform is being used frequently (and more intensively during this time of greatest restrictions) in advanced colorectal surgeries, with TM by remote experts and in our department for the continuing training program for residents. It also offers the possibility of conducting multidisciplinary sessions and webinars with subsequent availability control online.CONCLUSIONSTM and digital platforms such as Proximie provide important benefits in the practical learning and training of surgeons, especially with the current restrictions, being a safe technique and a teaching tool to be exploited.