Understanding the challenges of robotic-assisted surgery adoption: Perspectives from stakeholders and the general population on human-interaction, built environment, and training

This study aims to explore adoption barriers from three aspects critical to facilitating robotic-assisted-surgery (RAS) adoption: the human-robot-interaction, built-environment, and training. Guidelines for research and design are identified from these perspectives. This study consisted of three phases: 1) surveys to RAS stakeholders and a crowd-sourcing survey; 2) stakeholder focus groups; and 3) a workshop with subject-matter experts to prioritize future research for RAS. Barriers from the human-robot-interaction perspective include hesitancy among clinicians to trust automation and physical discomfort during prolonged RAS. Barriers impeding communication and workflow disruptions were identified considering the built-environment. Training barriers were exemplified by varying curriculums from formal (courses) to informal (peer training) for surgeons. Crowd-sourced survey results suggest socio-economic status plays a role in RAS perception. Design guidelines include: 1) improved ergonomics; 2) deliberate introduction of automation; 3) sufficient in-room storage for prospective operating rooms; and 4) the development of compact RAS devices for older/smaller rooms.