Perceptions and experiences of perioperative nurses and nurse anaesthetists in robotic-assisted surgery.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the perceptions and experiences of perioperative nurses and Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetists (CRNAs) in robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS). The objective was to identify the factors that affect nursing care of patients who undergo robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS). BACKGROUND: The rapid introduction of technological innovations into the healthcare system has created new challenges for perioperative nurses. RALS affects the physical and interpersonal context of the surgical team's work and subsequent patient outcomes. Despite significant changes to the workflow for perioperative nurses and CRNAs, there is little research focusing on the nurses' experience and their challenges with RALS. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive study. METHOD: Semi-structured interview questions guided data collection. A total of seventeen participants including six preoperative and postoperative nurses, seven intraoperative nurses, and four CRNAs in the United States were interviewed. The interviews were conducted between 26 April-24 June 2018. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, and the COREQ checklist was used to report data collection, analysis and the results. RESULTS: Three major themes and two categories within each theme were identified: (a) surgical innovation: nurse perception and workflow; (b) interprofessional practice: teamwork and standards; and (c) outcome: patient outcomes and system outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that RALS has the potential to improve patient outcomes when performed in a timely fashion by skilled surgeons, and efficient, well-trained surgical teams. For patients to experience full benefits of RALS, patient characteristics, the underlying reason for surgery, and cost must be considered. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The results of this study highlight the necessity of promoting factors that improve the surgical team training and practice for RALS and will ultimately impact patient outcomes.

A pilot study of non-routine events in gynecological surgery: Type, impact, and effect.

OBJECTIVE: Quantifying non-routine events (NREs) assists with identify underlying sociotechnical factors that could lead to adverse events. NREs are considered any event that is unusual or atypical during surgical procedures. This study aimed to use prospective observations to characterize the occurrence of non-routine events in gynecological surgeries. METHODS: Observational data were collected prospectively within one surgical gynecology department over a five month period. Researchers captured NREs in real time using a validated tablet PC-based tool according to the NRE type, impact, whom was affected, and duration. Researchers also noted what surgical approach (i.e. open, laparoscopic, robotic) was used. RESULTS: Across 45 surgical cases, 554 non-routine events (M = 12.31 NREs per case, SD = 9.81) were identified. The majority of non-routine events were external interruptions (40.3%), teamwork (26.7%), or equipment (21.3%). The circulating nurse was most frequently affected by NREs (43.2%) followed by the entire surgical team (13.7%). There was no statistically significant difference in non-routine events based on surgical approach. CONCLUSION: Non-routine events are prevalent in the gynecological surgical setting. Identifying the sociotechnical factors that influence non-routine events are important in determining interventions that will combat the associated risks. Interventions focusing on teamwork, managing external interruptions, and coordinating equipment may have the greatest impact to reduce or eliminate NREs in gynecological surgeries.

Patient-reported extremity symptoms after robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe patient-reported extremity symptoms after robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer. BACKGROUND: Preventive activities for remaining patient safety due to correct positioning play an important part in perioperative nursing care.Extremity injuries are well-known after prolonged surgery, especially in robot-assisted urologic surgery in the steep Trendelenburg position. The risk of injury increases due to patient-related and operative risk factors. METHODS: A quantitative prospective observational study was conducted. Patients were followed up with the QuickDASH (Disabilities in the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and a study-specific questionnaire 7-10 days and monthly, up to six months after surgery in patients with extremity symptoms. The study adheres to STROBE (strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology) guidelines, see Supporting information File S1. RESULTS: Out of the 94 included participants, 46.8% (n = 44) experienced extremity symptoms 7-10 days after surgery. Pain, numbness and weakness were the most frequent symptoms. There was a discrepancy between the patients reported symptoms and the documentation in the patient records. Only 13.6% (n = 3) of the reported pain was documented, respectively 27.5% (n = 11) of other symptoms. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of the patients report postoperative extremity symptoms after robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy. Prevention of complications in the perioperative setting, are together with follow-ups, important nursing activities for maintaining patient safety and may both prevent and detect postoperative extremity symptoms and injuries. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study reveals the need of accurate documentation regarding extremity symptoms in digital patient records, as well as continuous follow-ups during the hospital stay and after hospital discharge to enable detection of treatable extremity injuries. The result of this study also indicates the importance of nursing activities such as evidence-based positioning guidelines in the operating theatre for optimal positioning.

Perioperative Nurses' Work Experience With Robotic Surgery: A Focus Group Study.

The aim of this study was to explore the work experience of perioperative nurses involved in robotic surgery. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Participants were 15 nurses who had been on a robotic surgery team at one of five major university hospitals in Seoul, South Korea. Participants were one male and 14 female nurses (mean age, 31.33 [SD, 4.19] years; range, 25-41 years). Their experience as robotic surgery nurses ranged from 8 months to 6 years. Nurses' experiences with robotic surgery were categorized within four main themes: (1) constant checking on patients' safety and the robot's functions; (2) unexpected robotic machine errors or malfunctions; (3) feelings of burden in a robotic surgical team; and (4) need and desire for more information and education. This study showed that there are common concerns about patient safety and the possibility of emergencies related to robot system failure among nurses. Offering more support for nurses involved in robotic surgery should be a priority to empower them to play an extended role in robotic surgery.

Roles, experience and views of nurses working in robotic surgery settings: A mixed-methods study.

Robotic-assisted surgery has benefits for patients, but there are challenges to working in this field. In Turkey, training is not provided for nurses working in robotic-assisted surgery, and national legislation on nurses' roles in these settings has not been implemented. This study aimed to demonstrate the roles and experiences of nurses in robotic-assisted surgery in Turkey. This study was conducted as a mixed-methods research. The qualitative data were analysed by content analysis. More than half of the nurses had received basic training in robotic-assisted surgery. Qualitative data consisted of five themes, including the effects of robotic surgery, feelings and thoughts on robotic surgery, working as a nurse in robotic surgery settings, responsibilities of nurses and competence of nurses working in robotic surgery settings. Determining the working conditions and roles of nurses working in robotic-assisted surgery settings by policymakers in regulations is crucial for improving the quality of nursing care and the outcomes of patients.

Nursing performance in robotic surgeries: integrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To know the scientific production on the performance of the nursing staff in robotic surgeries, identifying the role of the nurse in the three perioperative periods. METHODS: Integrative review, search in the databases National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Scientific Electronic Library Online and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, performed from June to September, 2017; 17 selected articles met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Most articles were published in foreign journals in English, nine in the United States, classified with evidence level of 4 and 5. The role of nursing in the perioperative period was identified, related mainly to patient safety. The most mentioned perioperative period in the articles was the intraoperative, with greater concern in the positioning of the patient. CONCLUSION: The nursing performance and patient safety in robotic surgeries are similar to the ones in major surgeries, requiring from the patient a specific knowledge on the setting and preparation of the robot.

The process of nurse adaptation to robotic surgery: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to reveal the experiences of nurses in robotic surgery and their adaptation to this method. METHODS: This research was planned within the framework of qualitative research methods. The study population consisted of robotic surgery nurses in Turkey. Focus group interviews were conducted after the flow process was developed, and the interviews were supported using a semistructured interview form. Two focus interviews were conducted with 15 participants. RESULTS: As a result of the content analysis, 11 themes were created in four categories. The categories of the study were designed as follows: (1) Training in Robotic Surgery Nursing, (2) Adaptation to Technology in Robotic Surgery Nursing, (3) Changing Roles and Adaptation Process in Robotic Surgery Nursing, and (4) Future of Robotic Surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of clarity regarding the roles and responsibilities of robotic surgery nurses and the lack of arrangements for working conditions are thought to cause professional dissatisfaction and disengagement from work.

Protocolo de actuación de enfermería quirúrgica en cirugía robótica / Surgical nursing intervention protocol in robotic surgery

La aparición de la tecnología robótica ha conllevado la actualización del personal de enfermería tomando un papel fundamental aquellos encargados de la preparación y puesta en marcha del sistema, del instrumental y de la atención de detalles durante el desarrollo de la misma. Describimos el protocolo de actuación de enfermería en cirugía robótica en nuestro hospital. El equipo de cirugía robótica desde la implantación del sistema ha ejercido una actividad asistencial y docente con los profesionales de nueva incorporación. Es importante contar con un personal cualificado y especializado que proporcione un cuidado eficaz de manera eficiente y seguro para el paciente, sin olvidar mantener actualizados los conocimientos e iniciativas que se producen en el campo de la enfermería y la robótica

The appearance of robotic technology has led update nursing professionals, playing a key role those nurse team is responsible for instrumental and robotic system, taking care on all details during surgery. We describe a surgical nursing intervention protocol in robotic surgery in our institution. Since robotic protocol system implementation, robotic surgery team has performed assistant work and training activity of new team or visiting members. Qualified and specialized team is key in order to provide an effective, efficient and safety healthcare to patients. Keep update knowledge in nursing and robotic field is fundamental