Working towards clinical effectiveness-a multi-disciplinary approach to robotic surgery

Area of Science:

• Thoracic surgery
• Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS)
• Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) approach

Background:

• Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) offers enhanced vision and dexterity for complex thoracic procedures, particularly in lung cancer treatment.
• A clear definition and effective implementation of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) approach are currently lacking in RAS, potentially impacting patient outcomes.
• Lung cancer is a growing global health concern, necessitating advanced and effective treatment strategies.

Discussion:

• This review synthesizes clinical quality indicators for perioperative MDT engagement in thoracic RAS from a nursing perspective.
• It evaluates the utility of RAS for pulmonary resections, especially for complex lesions unsuitable for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).
• Strategies for effective MDT development and knowledge transfer in RAS are discussed, drawing on experiential insights.

Key Insights:

• RAS demonstrates utility for complex pulmonary resections, offering advantages over VATS.
• Effective MDT collaboration is paramount for optimizing patient outcomes in RAS.
• While initially expensive, RAS can be cost-effective when considering hospital stay, excluding initial purchase costs.

Outlook:

• Implementing a recommended developmental framework can facilitate the creation and replication of effective interventions in RAS.
• Further research and standardization of MDT protocols in RAS are needed.
• Sharing bespoke and experiential knowledge is vital for advancing the practice of thoracic RAS.