Perceptions and experiences of perioperative nurses and nurse anaesthetists in robotic‐assisted surgery

Aims and objectives To explore the perceptions and experiences of perioperative nurses and Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetists (CRNAs) in robotic‐assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS). The objective was to identify the factors that affect nursing care of patients who undergo robotic‐assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS). Background The rapid introduction of technological innovations into the healthcare system has created new challenges for perioperative nurses. RALS affects the physical and interpersonal context of the surgical team's work and subsequent patient outcomes. Despite significant changes to the workflow for perioperative nurses and CRNAs, there is little research focusing on the nurses’ experience and their challenges with RALS. Design A qualitative descriptive study. Method Semi‐structured interview questions guided data collection. A total of seventeen participants including six preoperative and postoperative nurses, seven intraoperative nurses, and four CRNAs in the United States were interviewed. The interviews were conducted between 26 April–24 June 2018. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, and the COREQ checklist was used to report data collection, analysis and the results. Results Three major themes and two categories within each theme were identified: (a) surgical innovation: nurse perception and workflow; (b) interprofessional practice: teamwork and standards; and (c) outcome: patient outcomes and system outcomes. Conclusions The findings indicate that RALS has the potential to improve patient outcomes when performed in a timely fashion by skilled surgeons, and efficient, well‐trained surgical teams. For patients to experience full benefits of RALS, patient characteristics, the underlying reason for surgery, and cost must be considered. Relevance to clinical practice The results of this study highlight the necessity of promoting factors that improve the surgical team training and practice for RALS and will ultimately impact patient outcomes.