There Is a Difference in Patients' Opinions and Scientific Evidence Regarding Robot Assisted Total Joint Arthroplasty: a Questionnaire.

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This study aimed to evaluate patients' knowledge and opinions about robotic total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Material and methods: In order to assess patients' knowledge and opinions about robotic THA and TKA surgery, a descriptive questionnaire consisting of a total of 17 questions assessing patients' demographic information (age, gender, education level, occupation, income level, marital status) and their knowledge and opinions about robotic surgery was designed and applied to 200 participants by face-to-face interviews.

Results: The mean age of participants was 62.6 ± 7.1 years (range: 43-82), with 53% female. Among participants, 39% were university graduates, 9% were healthcare professionals, and 61.5% had an income between 10,000-20,000 Turkish lira. 60% (n = 120) had information about robotic surgeries, primarily sourced from newspapers, TV (35%), and social media (33%). 68.3% believed robotic surgery positively impacts surgical outcomes, and 77.5% preferred robotic surgery for knee and hip procedures. Those informed via social media had a mean age of 57.6 ± 6.5 years, while those informed through patient recommendations had a mean age of 64.0 ± 6.9 years (p = 0.001). Higher education levels correlated with increased knowledge of robotic surgery (p = 0.001), as did private-sector employment and higher income (p = 0.001, p = 0.001).

Conclusions: This study is an important step to understand the awareness and attitudes of robotic surgery among patients. There is a difference between the level of knowledge of the participants about robotic surgery and real scientific facts. Lack of knowledge and misconceptions about robotic surgery may affect patients' decision-making processes. Orthopaedic surgeons has responsibility to evaluate the new technological products in the light of strong scientific evidence when recommending to their patients. Also, media sources and social media platforms should maintain accurate information on emerging technologies.