Team interactions in robotic-assisted surgery: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Human Factors Engineering
• Medical Education

Background:

• Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is increasingly prevalent, altering operating theater spatial configurations and team dynamics.
• Existing literature shows inconsistencies in defining and measuring team interactions within the RAS environment.
• Standardized approaches are needed to understand and optimize teamwork in robotic surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of empirical research on team interactions in RAS.
• To identify research gaps and inconsistencies in the conceptualization and measurement of teamwork in RAS.
• To propose future research directions for enhancing RAS team effectiveness and patient safety.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Searched multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, etc.) for empirical articles from January 2010 to October 2023.
• Included 54 empirical articles focusing on team interactions in RAS.

Main Results:

• Four major themes emerged: teamwork/communication, non-technical skills, flow disruptions, and surgical education.
• Communication in RAS was frequently studied but inconsistently defined and measured.
• Non-technical skills were more consistently defined; flow disruptions impacted outcomes, necessitating communication training.

Conclusions:

• Significant inconsistencies exist in defining and measuring team interactions in RAS research.
• Standardized terminologies and measurement tools are crucial for advancing RAS research.
• Future research should focus on mediators/moderators of team interactions and integrate non-technical skills into training for improved surgical outcomes and patient safety.