Validation and effect of the NASA-TLX score on the assessment of the workload of pediatric robotic operations.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the validity of the NASA-TLX score in rating the workload of pediatric robotic operations. METHODS: The workload of 230 pediatric gastrointestinal and thoracic robotic operations was rated using the NASA-TLX score. The difference between the high workload group and the low workload group in each subscale of the NASA-TLX score was analyzed. The correlation of each subscale with the total workload score in the high workload group and low workload group was also analyzed. A logistic regression analysis was subsequently conducted to assess the effects of different factors (sex, age, weight, procedure duration, procedure specialties, combined malformation and blood loss) on the workload. RESULTS: The average NASA-TLX score was 56.5 ± 5.1 for the total group, 56.9 ± 5.0 for the gastrointestinal group and 54.6 ± 4.8 for the thoracic group, p = 0.007. The score of the high workload group was 62.7 ± 3.2, while it was 50.6 ± 2.7 for the low workload group (p < 0.001). The score on each subscale was also significantly different between the high and low workload groups. In the high workload group, a stronger correlation was observed between the total score and TD and Fr and a lower correlation with MD and Pe. In the low workload group, all six subscales showed a moderate correlation with the total score. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the procedure duration was an independent influencing factor for a higher workload score. CONCLUSIONS: NASA-TLX is a valid tool to rate the surgeon's workload in pediatric robotic surgery. A longer operative time contributes to a higher workload.