Evidence-based surgery at ASERNIP-S. Can this improve quality in surgical practice?

Abstract The Australian Safety and Efficacy Register of New Interventional Procedures - Surgical (ASERNIP-S) project has been established to form a register of new surgical procedures which have been assessed for their safety and efficacy. The ASERNIP-S project systematically reviews the evidence and produces recommendations on the future use of surgical procedures in clinical practice. Further data may be collected to provide information on the outcomes of procedures in use in Australia. Horizon Scanning of new and emerging techniques and technologies complements the ASERNIP-S process. This research identifies procedures that will impact on clinical practice in the near future. Dissemination of information from ASERNIP-S assessments, both locally and internationally, is important for quality improvement. The ultimate aim is for appropriate changes in practice to ensure the highest quality of Australian healthcare.