Developing and Applying a Taxonomy of Communication Behaviours and Contextual Factors in Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is being rapidly and widely incorporated into surgical practice, with the current focus of training on equipment, mechanics, and technical skills.

The operating theatre setup for robotic surgery is inherently different from the traditional arrangement, with the operating surgeon at a console that is remote from the rest of the surgical team and patient.

The team faces significant challenges due to this physical separation and the visual barrier imposed by the robotic operating equipment. As a result, leadership and team communication are dynamically altered. Nonverbal communication and cues need to be replaced by explicit and descriptive communication.

The overarching aim of my project is to examine what comprises effective communication by robotic surgical teams.

I will observe verbal communication of surgical teams being trained in robotic surgical skills in a simulated operating theatre in the world-class RCSI SIM.

I will also interview them about their experiences of effective and ineffective communication in performing robotic surgeries.

I will develop a taxonomy of communication behaviours and contextual factors that facilitate or inhibit effective communication, their descriptions, and examples.

Using the taxonomy, I will observe live robotic surgeries in RCSI hospitals and code the frequency, time, and sequence of communication behaviours and contextual factors using an innovative method called event coding.

The taxonomy from my research will serve as training materials for simulation training focusing on communication for robotic surgical teams, and will contribute to the continuous improvement of modern surgery and the quality and safety of patient care.

With the support of Dr Claire Condron and Prof Walter Eppich, this fellowship will help me pursue a successful career as an academic scientist or director of a simulation centre that makes meaningful impacts on the performance and well-being of healthcare professionals and patients.