Robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery: the importance of human factors analysis and design

Success in robotic minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been limited despite the innovations in robotic technology for surgical applications. Human factors engineering approach to the design and implementation of this technology is major to improving system performance and patient safety. The engineering discipline of human factors involves the study of factors and development of tools that enable human interaction with systems in a safe and effective manner. Human factors contribution is important to the product design life cycle, as it supports the design of a product capable of supporting, extending, and transforming user work in a cost-effective and timely fashion. A framework for modelling the interaction between the surgeon and technology in MIS is presented. This approach allows for identification of requirements and constraints at the physical, functional, and cognitive levels, which in turn guides the design of the technology and its interface. The human factors approach is expected to increase the effectiveness of the technology when deployed.