Awareness, perception, knowledge, and attitude toward robotic surgery in a general surgical outpatient clinic in Singapore, Asia
Background and aim: Robotic surgery is an advancing technology and patients may not be fully aware of these advancements. Social media and advertisements may falsely skew patients’ understanding. This study aims to seek awareness, understanding and attitude towards robotic surgery in Singapore.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of 472 patients and/or their relatives (response rate 94.4%) in a specialist outpatient clinic chosen via convenience sampling from May to July 2017 was performed. All healthcare workers or participants less than 21 years of age were excluded. A 19-point survey questionnaire including patient socio-demographics and awareness and attitudes towards robotic surgery was administered. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to assess participants’ preference for robotic surgery.
Results: 260 (55.1%) of the participants were female and the majority were aged 21-40 years old (55.5%). 250 participants (53.0%) reported having heard of robotic surgery; majority (n=205, 82.0%) were from the media. 206 (43.6%) participants had the misconception that robotic surgery involved an automated robot. Multivariate analysis showed that perception that robotic surgery yielded better results was independently associated with preference for robotic surgery (prefers robotic surgery: n=56/159 (35.2%), do not prefer robotic surgery: n=81/313 (25.9%), Odds Ratio (OR) 1.61, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.06-2.45, p=0.026). Having concerns that wrong surgery may be performed by robotic surgery was also independently associated with disinclination towards robotic surgery (OR 0.51 (95% CI: 0.35-0.76), p=0.001).
Conclusion: Understanding of robotic surgery was poor with several misconceptions. It is paramount to clarify these misconceptions to advocate for informed decision making.
Relevance for patients: Measures need to be taken to ensure adequacy of pre-operative counselling in patients undergoing robotic surgery. Misconceptions on benefits and risks of robotic surgery should be cleared before decision on the surgical access and approach.
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