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HEIndividual fellowship2023–2025

ROSE · Developing and Applying a Taxonomy of Communication Behaviours and Contextual Factors in Robotic Surgery

Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2023-07-03 → 2025-10-02
EU contribution
€199,694
Participants
1
Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF

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Results in brief

Developing and Applying a Taxonomy of Communication Behaviours and Contextual Factors in Robotic Surgery

Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is a minimally invasive surgery in which surgeons use a robotic system to perform precise and complex procedures through a few small incisions. Despite its technical benefits (e.g., improved vision and ergonomics) and improved patient outcomes (e.g., reduced blood loss), RAS changes the spatial configuration in the operating theatre such that the surgeon sits remotely at a console away from the patient and team and has reduced situational awareness on the operative field. The team’s direct view of each other can also be blocked by the robotic equipment. They must use explicit, verbal communication to overcome such limited situational awareness and nonverbal cues. Therefore, the main objectives of the project were (1) to identify effective and ineffective communication behaviours in RAS and (2) to develop and apply an observational framework of these behaviours in robotic surgical teams. The project concluded that there were general as well as specific communication behaviours needed for this particular technology-driven context and that they could be observed and trained. As RAS is increasingly integrated into surgical training and practice, results from the project could be used to train the future generation of surgeons effective communication specifically in the RAS context and prevent communication failures for patient safety.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

Robotic surgery is being rapidly and widely incorporated into surgical practice, with the current focus of training on equipment, mechanics, and technical skills. The operating theatre setup for robotic surgery is inherently different from the traditional arrangement, with the operating surgeon at a console that is remote from the rest of the surgical team and patient. The team faces significant challenges due to this physical separation and the visual barrier imposed by the robotic operating equipment. As a result, leadership and team communication are dynamically altered. Nonverbal communication and cues need to be replaced by explicit and descriptive communication. The overarching aim of my project is to examine what comprises effective communication by robotic surgical teams. I will observe verbal communication of surgical teams being trained in robotic surgical skills in a simulated operating theatre in the world-class RCSI SIM. I will also interview them about their experiences of effective and ineffective communication in performing robotic surgeries. I will develop a taxonomy of communication behaviours and contextual factors that facilitate or inhibit effective communication, their descriptions, and examples. Using the taxonomy, I will observe live robotic surgeries in RCSI hospitals and code the frequency, time, and sequence of communication behaviours and contextual factors using an innovative method called event coding. The taxonomy from my research will serve as training materials for simulation training focusing on communication for robotic surgical teams, and will contribute to the continuous improvement of modern surgery and the quality and safety of patient care. With the support of Dr Claire Condron and Prof Walter Eppich, this fellowship will help me pursue a successful career as an academic scientist or director of a simulation centre that makes meaningful impacts on the performance and well-being of healthcare professionals and patients.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND · DUBLIN 2CoordinatorIreland

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union