Roles, experience and views of nurses working in robotic surgery settings: a mixed-methods study

Abstract

Robotic-assisted surgery has benefits for patients, but there are challenges to working in this field. In Turkey, training is not provided for nurses working in robotic-assisted surgery, and national legislation on nurses’ roles in these settings has not been implemented. This study aimed to demonstrate the roles and experiences of nurses in robotic-assisted surgery in Turkey. This study was conducted as a mixed-methods research. The qualitative data were analysed by content analysis. More than half of the nurses had received basic training in robotic-assisted surgery. Qualitative data consisted of five themes, including the effects of robotic surgery, feelings and thoughts on robotic surgery, working as a nurse in robotic surgery settings, responsibilities of nurses and competence of nurses working in robotic surgery settings. Determining the working conditions and roles of nurses working in robotic-assisted surgery settings by policymakers in regulations is crucial for improving the quality of nursing care and the outcomes of patients.