About DISSECT
A COST Action dedicated to understanding and addressing disparities in cancer surgery training across Europe — through collaborative research and knowledge exchange.
Nine Objectives
DISSECT pursues nine interconnected objectives to map, understand, and address surgical training disparities.
Perform a needs assessment to identify areas of cancer surgery training disparities through surveys and focused group discussions
Organise at least two multi-stakeholder meetings to develop a roadmap to address disparities
Identify five priority areas of disparities where collaboration between high and lower resource settings can have meaningful impact
Generate at least five open access publications
Facilitate knowledge exchange and multidisciplinary team approach between high and low resource settings
Conduct joint MDTs with virtual clinical discussions between paired institutions
Assess the impact of joint MDT sessions on patient outcomes, surgical decision-making, and research output
Develop learning pathways and tailored mentorship programs for surgical trainees
Develop and assess a tele-mentoring program for surgeons
Five Working Groups
Each addressing a critical dimension of surgical training disparities.
Identification & Evaluation of Disparities
Systematically mapping cancer surgery training gaps across European countries through comprehensive surveys, literature reviews, and focused group discussions. WG1 establishes the evidence base that informs all other Working Groups.
Building Research Capacity
Strengthening collaborative research infrastructure between high and lower resource institutions. WG2 facilitates joint research projects, shared protocols, and open-access publications to build sustainable research partnerships.
MDT Knowledge Exchange
Facilitating multidisciplinary team discussions and virtual clinical meetings between paired institutions. WG3 evaluates the impact of joint MDT sessions on patient outcomes and surgical decision-making.
Surgical Mentorship
Developing structured mentorship programmes and tailored learning pathways for surgical trainees. WG4 creates frameworks for effective knowledge transfer between experienced surgeons and trainees across borders.
Innovation
Exploring innovative approaches including tele-mentoring programmes, digital simulation tools, and AI-assisted education. WG5 pilots new technologies to bridge geographical training gaps.
COST Action CA24158
Visit the official page for full details on the DISSECT network and its participants.