Health Serv Deliv Res 2017;5(20) https://doi.org/10.3310/hsdr05200
- An evaluation of evidence, published and anecdotal, around what is needed for robot-assisted surgery to be successfully introduced into the NHS, to help improve its use for operations where it offers benefits to the patient over other techniques.
- The findings indicate that training as a team, having handpicked dedicated teams, and having suitably sized operating theatres are important for the successful introduction of robot-assisted surgery.
- Teamwork - Strategies used by theatre teams for overcoming these challenges presented by robot-assisted surgery include clearer communication, with surgeons getting the attention of the team before making a request and team members confirming that they are completing that request. Working with an experienced assistant supports teamwork, and experienced scrub practitioners play an important role in supporting assistants who lack experience. Robot-assisted surgery can result in increased concentration for the surgeon, but only when he or she is supported by an experienced assistant or scrub practitioner.
