# Using Video Analysis to Improve Outcomes of Laparoscopic Colectomy

> **NIH AHRQ R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2022 · $358,238

## Abstract

Using Video Analysis to Improve Outcomes of Laparoscopic Colectomy
Abstract:
 New surgical procedures are continuously introduced into practice. Even when new procedures are
proven safe and effective in randomized clinical trials, their diffusion into diverse practice settings is often
suboptimal. Strategies for accelerating the surgical learning curve would have clear benefits, but practical,
scalable approaches have been elusive. Video analysis may help fill this void. There several important
unanswered questions in this emerging area of performance improvement. First, it is unclear whether surgical
technique (the details of how the case is done) or skill (how well the case was done) is the driver of better
outcomes for laparoscopic colectomy. Second, although there is emerging evidence that the effectiveness of
coaching varies (i.e., some coaches are better than others), whether this translates into differential clinical
outcomes of coachees is unknown. Third, the technical pathways by which surgeons improve in response to
coaching are entirely unexplored. We have the unique opportunity to leverage the existing surgeon
relationships and registry data in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (MSQC) to implement this
program. Building on our preliminary data using video analysis in laparoscopic bariatric surgery, we propose
the following Specific Aims: Aim 1. To examine the relationship between surgeon video ratings and patient
outcomes. After adjusting for all potential differences in patient risk factors, we will assess the relationship
between surgeon technique (how they do operation) and surgeon skill (how well they do operation) on patient
outcomes (e.g., mortality, complications, reoperations. Aim 2. To implement a video-based coaching
intervention and evaluate the impact on outcomes. We will design and implement a coaching intervention in a
stepped wedge cluster randomized trial using the MSQC platform. We will evaluate the impact of the
intervention on patient outcomes using the detailed outcomes from the MSQC clinical registry. Aim 3. To
evaluate the relationship between coaching effectiveness and patient outcomes. We will audio record and
transcribe all coaching conversations. Based on these data, we will evaluate the quality of the conversation
using a validated instrument that scores coaching effectiveness (from a scale of 1 to 5, across four domains).
We will also conduct a qualitative evaluation of coaching conversations and exit interviews to explore the
pathways by which surgeons improve (i.e., what changes do they make) and also what the barriers and
facilitators are to broader adoption. This study will have immediate and direct impact. For patients in Michigan
and beyond, this study will accelerate the implementation of best technical practices for laparoscopic colon
surgery and improve their outcomes. The use of video analysis and video-based coaching to understand and
disseminate best technical practices will be a power...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10457323
- **Project number:** 5R01HS025365-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Justin Brigham Dimick
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** AHRQ
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $358,238
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-15 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10457323

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10457323, Using Video Analysis to Improve Outcomes of Laparoscopic Colectomy (5R01HS025365-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10457323. Licensed CC0.

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