Nurses' perceptions and experiences of robotic assisted surgery (RAS): An integrative review

Abstract

Aim: To identify and review published literature on the perceptions and experience of nurses working with RAS.

Background: Robotic assisted surgery (RAS) is rapidly becoming accepted as the elite modality for surgery since its introduction in the 1980 s, more recently there has been a rising trend of use with several specialities operating using this technology. The role of nurses in perioperative care has been described as maintaining the momentum of the patient's journey. Patients undergoing RAS require nursing care throughout their journey, therefore knowledge of nurses' experiences and perceptions of RAS is important to identifying nurse education and development needs.

Design: Integrative literature review DATABASE SOURCES: Databases searched for peer reviewed studies included CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, EMBASE, Scopus, ADA Psycinfo, Medline.

Review methods: A comprehensive database search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Six databases were searched with 523 screened for eligibility. Ten studies were included in the review seven qualitative and three quantitative.

Results: Ten studies were identified, critically appraised and synthesised using thematic analysis. All studies were conducted with nurses in the perioperative environment. Key findings were that nurses education regarding RAS is limited with more emphasis placed on surgeon education and training. There was evidence that nurses experienced a lack of education, training and information as barriers to their role which subsequently raised their stress levels.

Conclusion: Evidence suggests a clear need for education and training for nurses working with RAS. In addition, nurses working with RAS provide care preoperatively, intraoperatively, postoperatively and post discharge in the community. However, no research has been conducted with nurses outside of the perioperative environment. Further research is required to understand the experiences and perceptions of nurses working with RAS patients in all care settings to identify their education and development needs.

Keywords: Integrative review; Nurse experience; Nurse perception; Robotic assisted surgery.