A new take on volume

In the medical staff realm, volume is typically expressed in whole numbers‑the practitioner must perform so many procedures to qualify for clinical privileges or to satisfy established professional practice evaluation thresholds‑but a new study published in the BMJ showcases a different approach. Rather than straight volume, researchers took a close look at a surgeon's degree of specialization, hypothesizing that singular focus in a particular procedure may influence muscle memory, familiarity with the relevant medical device, transfer of granular knowledge and skills between cases, and other indications of surgical competence that can translate to better outcomes.

This is an excerpt from a members-only article. Please log in or become a member to read the complete article.