Ethical analysis of overlapping surgery

Overlapping surgery, a common practice, helps surgeons provide care to more patients. However, there can be controversy about what surgeons believe are the critical parts of a procedure that require their presence in the operating room. Patient perspectives on overlapping surgery are not known, including what patients want to be told about it during the informed consent process. This project will interview and survey patients and surgeons to answer these questions. The project will also analyze how potential restrictions on overlapping surgery could impact patient care. Results will be used to develop a roadmap for surgeons, patients, and policymakers to help guide informed consent, education, and policies for the ethical practice of overlapping surgery.