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81%
Patients firmly favour using VR for future procedures
68%
Patients reported an improved understanding of SWL with VR
66%
participants preferred
VR to current teaching methods
7
Available in 7 languages
Gynaecology
vNOTES
vNOTES is a relatively novel procedure that many patients are entirely unfamiliar with. The concept of accessing the pelvis vaginally rather than through an abdominal incision requires careful explanation to achieve genuine informed consent.
Gynaecology
Hysteroscopy
Anxiety is high amongst patients awaiting hysteroscopy, particularly around pain expectations and the intimate nature of the procedure. Developed in collaboration with Mr Sameer Umranikar, Consultant Gynaecologist at Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton.
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, which leads to unnecessary emergency attendances, anxiety, and dissatisfaction.
Urology
Flexible Cystoscopy
Patient anxiety prior to flexible cystoscopy is well-documented. The Surgassists immersive consent module gives patients a first-person experience of what to expect during the procedure, significantly reducing pre-procedural anxiety.
Urology
Shock Wave Lithotripsy
SWL is the flagship Surgassists research module. Prospective outcomes studies have been conducted at Southampton University Hospital under the leadership of Professor Bhaskar Somani.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Surgassists is designed to support and enhance the informed consent process, not replace clinician-led consent conversations. Following the landmark Montgomery v Lanarkshire ruling, patients must be made aware of all material risks in a way they can genuinely understand. Our research demonstrates that immersive VR and AR consent tools significantly improve patient comprehension of procedures and associated risks directly supporting the standard required. Surgassists should be used alongside, and documented as part of, your existing consent pathway.
Virtual Reality (VR) immerses the patient in a fully computer-generated environment using a headset. The patient is transported into a calm, 3D clinical setting where they can visualise the procedure from a first-person perspective, including life-size anatomical structures and instrument pathways.
Augmented Reality (AR) overlays 3D anatomical content onto the real world for example, projecting a life-size kidney or bladder into the consultation room via a tablet or AR glasses.
Yes. Modules can be shared with patients via a secure link prior to their clinic or procedure date, allowing them to watch at home on a smartphone, tablet, or compatible VR headset if they have one. Providing the module ahead of attendance means patients arrive better prepared, with more informed questions — improving the quality of the consent conversation and reducing avoidable cancellations.
Surgassists modules do not require patients to create an account or enter any personal data to access the content. Usage analytics (such as module completion rates) can be collected at a departmental level for reporting purposes, but no patient-identifiable information is stored within the Surgassists platform. Full data processing documentation is available on request for your Information Governance and DTAC submission.
Each Surgassists procedure module is 2–5 minutes in length specifically designed to fit within a standard outpatient appointment. Modules can be viewed in the waiting area prior to the clinician consultation, or sent to the patient digitally to watch at home before attending. This approach means the clinician's consent conversation can focus on questions and shared decision-making, rather than basic procedural explanation.
Interested in joining our research network? Surgassists actively collaborates with NHS and European clinical centres. We welcome consultant surgeons, specialist nurses, and academic partners to contribute to our growing evidence base for immersive patient consent.