Evaluating new surgical techniques in Australia: the Australian Safety and Efficacy Register of New Interventional Procedures-Surgical experience.

The Australian Safety and Efficacy Register of New Interventiona lProcedures-Surgical (ASERNIP-S) exists primarily to assess new surgical technologies and techniques. It originally conducted systematic literature reviews, but now uses accelerated reviews, horizon scanning for emerging procedures, research and clinical audits,preparation of patient information, assistance with guideline development,and the production of research protocols of new surgical techniques. Future international cooperation and networking among health technology assessment groups will avoid duplication of effort and maximize outputs. Experience has shown that when surgeons lead in assessing new and emerging surgical techniques and technologies, the benefits of an evidence-based approach are realized, and the surgical community accepts the complementary role of evidence-based medicine in the provision of high-quality patient care.