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Emergency Undocking in Robotic Surgery: A Simulation Curriculum
Published on: May 20, 2018
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Misunderstandings in robotic surgical instruction: An exploratory discourse analysis
Riley Brian1, Alyssa Murillo1, Ivori White1
1Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
American Journal of Surgery
|December 27, 2025
Summary
This study analyzed misunderstandings in robotic surgery training by examining communication repairs. Findings offer strategies for instructors to minimize confusion and improve how learners and instructors address errors.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Communication Studies
Background:
- Communication breakdowns are common in high-stakes fields like surgery.
- Misunderstandings can arise during complex procedures, necessitating effective communication repair strategies.
- Robotic surgery training presents unique communication challenges between instructors and learners.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize misunderstandings in robotic surgical instruction.
- To analyze the process of communication repair during simulated robotic surgery.
- To identify common sources of confusion and effective resolution strategies.
Main Methods:
- Recorded and analyzed 2596 minutes of video and audio data from 33 simulated robotic surgery cases.
- Utilized discourse analysis tools to categorize communication repairs.
- Defined and analyzed four key aspects of repair: trouble source, initiation, repair proper, and response.
Main Results:
- Identified and categorized various trouble sources leading to misunderstandings.
- Detailed the process by which communication breakdowns are initiated and addressed.
- Evaluated the adequacy of repair attempts in resolving confusion.
Conclusions:
- Instructors can reduce misunderstandings by avoiding common trouble sources.
- Learners and instructors can improve communication effectiveness by better addressing misunderstandings.
- Findings provide actionable insights for enhancing robotic surgical training and communication protocols.
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