Evolving experience of operating theatre staff with the implementation of robotic-assisted surgery in the public sector

Objectives The use of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) remains predominantly in the private sector. In the public sector, the effect of the implementation of RAS on theatre staff is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the knowledge and attitudes of theatre staff before and after implementation of RAS in the public sector. Methods In all, 250 theatre staff, including nursing, medical and support staff, were invited to participate in the study. A survey investigating the benefits of RAS for patients and staff, concerns towards the workplace environment and facilitators towards the implementation of new technology was administered before (June 2016) and after (February 2019) the implementation of a comprehensive RAS program. Results The survey was completed by 164 (65.6%) staff before and 200 (80.0%) staff after the implementation of RAS. With time, most nursing (P=0.002) and medical staff (P=0.003) indicated that RAS may benefit patients by reducing intraoperative complications, whereas support staff remained uncertain about this benefit (P=0.594). Before the implementation, most medical staff indicated that RAS would benefit staff, although after they were unsure about this benefit. Overall, before RAS implementation, theatre staff were mostly concerned about workplace safety, but this concern was significantly reduced after RAS implementation (P<0.010). Conclusions With time, operating theatre staff considered their RAS program to be associated with enhanced benefits to patients, and their concerns regarding workplace safety were significantly reduced. Conversely, theatre staff were unsure about the benefits of RAS to themselves. It is important for organisations to consider the evolving impact of new technology on their staff and to refine ongoing education and training programs in line with these changes. What is known about the topic? The implementation of RAS is rapidly evolving in major hospitals. Therefore, it is important to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and experiences of operating theatre staff before and after the implementation of RAS, especially in the public sector. What does this paper add? This study found that with time theatre staff considered RAS to be beneficial to patients, and their initial concerns about the effect on workplace safety were significantly reduced. What are the implications for practitioners? It is important for organisations to consider the evolving impact of the implementation of new technology on operating theatre staff and to refine ongoing education and training programs as required.