SAGES has launched the Fundamental Use of Surgical Energy™ (FUSE) program, designed to educate surgeons and affiliated staff about the safe use of surgical energy-based devices in the OR, endoscopy suite and other procedural areas.- FUSE meets a crucial need in surgical education as previously, no formal training program has existed that promotes safety when using electrosurgical devices.
- SAGES formed the FUSE Task Force, with participation by experts from the Association of peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN), the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, and the American Urological Association.
- “Surgical fires occur several hundred times in the United States annually,” said Dr. Daniel B. Jones, chair of the FUSE Task Force. “ and approximately two-thirds of these OR fires involve electrosurgical equipment.”
- The FUSE training program includes a web-based didactic curriculum that is available free on-line at fundamentals-didactics.com and covers a number of topics including the fundamental principles of electrosurgical devices, practical aspects of commonly used energy devices in various settings, integration of energy systems with other devices, as well as prevention of operating room fires.
- To register to take the FUSE exam at the ACS Congress, please click here: https://www.fuseprogram.org/testing-information/acs-meeting-2014/. Testing for the FUSE certification exam will also be available at regional FUSE Test Centers, the SAGES Annual Meeting, and specially designated FUSE testing events.
- The FUSE program is directed toward practicing surgeons regardless of specialty, surgical nurses, and other Allied Health personnel who work in the operating room and other procedural areas. Up to 12 CME and Continuing Nursing Education Contact Hours are available for this activity.
- For more information on the FUSE program, please go to www.fuseprogram.org
