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Research

Research Validated Immersive Patient Consent

Each Surgassists module is developed alongside NHS consultant surgeons and validated through prospective clinical research. Our evidence base spans urology, gynaecology, and beyond.

81%
Patients firmly favour VR for future procedures
68%
Reported improved understanding of SWL with VR
66%
Preferred VR to current teaching methods
7
Languages available for universal accessibility
Modules

Explore Our Research & Modules

Click any module below to learn about the procedure, patient experience, and how Surgassists uses mixed reality to improve understanding.

Read Current Evidence
Gynaecology

vNOTES

vNOTES is a relatively novel procedure that many patients are entirely unfamiliar with. The concept of accessing the pelvis vaginally requires careful explanation to achieve genuine informed consent.

◯ 2 to 5 minLearn more →
Gynaecology

Hysteroscopy

Anxiety is high amongst patients awaiting hysteroscopy, particularly around pain expectations. Developed in collaboration with Mr Sameer Umranikar at Princess Anne Hospital.

◯ 2 to 5 minLearn more →
Urology

Ureteric Stent Insertion

Ureteric stents are consistently poorly understood by patients. Many are unprepared for the urinary symptoms experienced while the stent is in situ.

◯ 2 to 5 minLearn more →
Urology

Flexible Cystoscopy

Patient anxiety prior to flexible cystoscopy is well documented. The Surgassists module gives patients a first-person experience, significantly reducing anxiety.

◯ 2 to 5 minLearn more →
Urology★ Flagship

Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)

SWL is the flagship Surgassists research module. Prospective outcomes studies at Southampton University Hospital led by Professor Bhaskar Somani.

◯ 2 to 5 minLearn more →
Surgassists mixed reality
Publications

Published literature exploring immersive consent

Our growing research base spans malpractice litigation analysis, decision aid effectiveness, and the role of VR and AR in surgical consent.

Read Evidence
Research Library

Peer Reviewed Publications

All research led by Professor Bhaskar Somani and collaborating clinicians at Southampton University Hospital.

02
Investigating the use of Virtual Reality (VR) to provide enhanced consent and support patient counselling for Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL)
Bracey S, Reynolds P, Pietropaolo A, Bamerni D, Tear L, Davis T, Frascheri M, Somani B
03
Role of virtual reality in enhanced consent for endourological procedures: Clinician and patient perspective
Somani B, Reynolds P
04
Nedbal C, Juliebo-Jones P, Rogers E, N'Dow J, Ribal M, Rassweiler J, Liatsikos E, Van Poppel H, Somani BK
05
Nedbal C, Naik N, Davis N, Madaan S, Tokas T, Cacciamani G, Ventimiglia E, Geraghty RM, Enikeev D, Somani BK
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Surgassists is designed to support and enhance the informed consent process, not replace clinician led consent conversations. Our research demonstrates that immersive VR and AR tools significantly improve patient comprehension, directly supporting the Montgomery standard. Surgassists should be used alongside your existing consent pathway.

VR immerses the patient in a fully computer generated 3D environment via a headset. AR overlays 3D anatomical content onto the real world via a tablet or AR glasses, no headset required. Both modes are available for all Surgassists modules.

Yes. Modules are shared via a secure link and can be viewed on any smartphone, tablet, or VR headset at home before the appointment, allowing patients to arrive better prepared.

No patient identifiable information is stored. Modules require no login or personal data. Usage analytics at a departmental level are available for reporting. Full data processing documentation for IG and DTAC submission is available on request.

Each module is 2 to 5 minutes, designed to fit within a standard outpatient appointment or sent digitally for home viewing before the appointment.

Interested in Joining Our Research Network?

Surgassists actively collaborates with NHS and European clinical centres. We welcome consultant surgeons, specialist nurses, and academic partners.

Join Research Network