Feasibility and Acceptance of a Robotic Surgery Ergonomic Training Program

• Published in: Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons Vol. 18; no. 4; p. e2014.00166
• Main Authors: Franasiak, Jason, Craven, Renatta, Mosaly, Prithima, Gehrig, Paola A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons 2014
• Subjects: Education, Medical, Continuing - methods; Equipment Design; Ergonomics; Feasibility Studies; Humans; Pilot Projects; Prospective Studies; Robotics - education; Robotics - standards; Scientific Papers; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States; Robotic surgery; Ergonomic training; Ergonomic strain; Strain
• ISSN: 1086-8089; 1938-3797; 1938-3797
• DOI: 10.4293/JSLS.2014.00166

Assessment of ergonomic strain during robotic surgery indicates there is a need for intervention. However, limited data exist detailing the feasibility and acceptance of ergonomic training (ET) for robotic surgeons. This prospective, observational pilot study evaluates the implementation of an evidence-based ET module. A two-part survey was conducted. The first survey assessed robotic strain using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Participants were given the option to participate in either an online or an in-person ET session. The ET was derived from Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines and developed by a human factors engineer experienced with health care ergonomics. After ET, a follow-up survey including the NMQ and an assessment of the ET were completed. The survey was sent to 67 robotic surgeons. Forty-two (62.7%) responded, including 18 residents, 8 fellows, and 16 attending physicians. Forty-five percent experienced strain resulting from performing robotic surgery and 26.3% reported persistent strain. Only 16.6% of surgeons reported prior ET in robotic surgery. Thirty-five (78%) surgeons elected to have in-person ET, which was successfully arranged for 32 surgeons (91.4%). Thirty-seven surgeons (88.1%) completed the follow-up survey. All surgeons participating in the in-person ET found it helpful and felt formal ET should be standard, 88% changed their practice as a result of the training, and 74% of those reporting strain noticed a decrease after their ET. Thus, at a high-volume robotics center, evidence-based ET was easily implemented, well-received, changed some surgeons' practice, and decreased self-reported strain related to robotic surgery.