Syndicom

Presentation of study provides in-depth look at results achieved through utilization of Syndicom’s SpineConnect Collaborative Community Platform—receiving positive response.

Study: “The Emergence of Internet-Based Collaboration in Surgical Decision Making.”

DURANGO, Colo. – Syndicom is receiving international attention from a study conducted on its SpineConnect Collaborative Community platform (free web-based service that allows spine surgeons to share knowledge). The study demonstrates that surgeons are now able to more efficiently and effectively communicate with one another by utilizing Syndicom’s SpineConnect than ever before— increasing the potential to dramatically improve patient outcomes. The study was recently presented at several internationally respected spine meetings—resulting in positive feedback from surgeons and others.

“Syndicom is providing a much-needed, convenient, and seamless way for surgeons to securely interact—in what was previously cumbersome, time-consuming, and costly,” said Dr. Paul Slosar, Jr., Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at SpineCare Medical Group in Daly City, California and lead author of the study. “Our traditional ways of collaborating included sitting down with colleagues that physically brought cases and x-ray images to conferences—you can only imagine how difficult and lengthy that process can be. Something as valuable as this is very needed and long over due.”

Dr. Slosar said surgeons have tried to rely on email but it’s challenging to organize and does not provide a secure environment to interact unlike Syndicom’s SpineConnect. He claims the study proves, as do colleague feedback, that SpineConnect elevates surgeon interaction and encourages more surgeons to communicate on a global level by breaking down barriers including time-zones.

“There are surgeons in underserved areas that do not have access to seminars, training, and education,” said Dr. Slosar. “We had surgeons from China that believe this platform would be an incredibly valuable tool, making collaborating down stream not only easier but actually possible.” Dr. Slosar said he is excited about SpineConnect because it’s also fostering communication between surgeons from other countries and the United States that are seeing similar cases.

“It offers patients the benefits of receiving multiple opinions without the cost, while still maintaining anonymity,” said Dr. Slosar. “Surgeons can securely post a case, collaborate on it with other surgeons then counsel their patients with a higher degree of confidence based on peer recommendations.”

Co-author of the study, Dr. Jim Youssef (Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Spine Surgeon and Senior Partner at SpineColorado, Durango, Colorado), said response to the study is very positive.

“Current mechanisms of interaction with our peers are limited” said Dr. Youssef. “Because of this collaborative platform and the ability to interact with other experienced surgeons, I’m more comfortable making more confident surgical decisions when considering new technologies or when faced with challenging cases. Simply put—more minds equal better results.”

The study was presented at several international academic spine meetings including: the Lumbar Research Society in Chicago in April, 2008; SpineWeek in Geneva, Switzerland in May, 2008; and the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) and Canadian Orthopaedic Association combined annual meeting held in Quebec City, Canada in early June. It will next be presented at the North American Spine Society (NASS) in Toronto, Canada this coming October.

Study results suggest two primary ways surgeons use the SpineConnect Web platform—actively and passively. 90% of the active surgeons, and 68% of the passive users, reported that the Web platform improved their ability to practice surgery. 68% of surgeons surveyed stated online discussions led them to consider alternative methods or approaches to cases. 34% of surgeons actually altered their surgical planning and decisions after reviewing comments posted on the site. For a complete view of the all the study results go to www.syndicom.com/medical-device-company.

The study was conducted by Zoomerang on behalf of lead author, Dr. Paul J. Slosar (Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, SpineCare Medical Group, Daly City, California) with assistance from Dr. Darrel S. Brodke (Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Orthopaedics, University of Utah), and Dr. Jim A. Youssef (Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, Senior Partner-SpineColorado, Durango, Colorado).

SYNIDICOM provides an array of Web-based tools that allow medical professionals, medical device manufacturers, and other professional communities to work together and solve problems in a timely, efficient and economical way. The company’s set of proprietary collaborative technology products fosters the discovery of new treatment plans, more effective surgical techniques and life-saving medical devices. Syndicom’s advanced communication tools let physicians around the world share challenging patient cases and respond immediately to colleagues’ questions. Also, Syndicom’s innovative platform gives medical companies the ability to leverage and extend the knowledge and skills of physicians in the development of new medical technologies and devices. To learn more visit www.syndicom.com.

This entry was posted on Monday, June 23rd, 2008 at 5:16 pm and is filed under Press Releases, Syndicom News.