Humber River Hospital has introduced the OR Black Box® into 3 of its general surgery operating rooms as part of a research project in collaboration with Surgical Safety Technologies (SST). Modeled after aviation's flight data recorders, the Black Box Platform captures a range of data during surgeries, including audio, video, vital signs, and room dynamics such as door openings. This data is analyzed by an algorithm to flag key moments for further review by independent experts, offering surgeons valuable insights into their techniques and areas for improvement. The goal is to foster continuous learning and enhance surgical safety, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

This initiative is part of a broader effort, led by St. Michael’s Hospital, to gather data from hospitals across Canada and globally, with the hope of improving surgical practices worldwide. The project was made possible through a generous donation from the Paul B. Helliwell Foundation, highlighting Humber River's commitment to advancing surgical excellence and sharing knowledge within the medical community.