Workforce issues: the blurring of boundaries in surgical care

Understanding the role of the scrub nurse during robotic surgery

In the operating theatre, the scrub nurse has a wide range of roles, including responsibility for organising and ensuring that the correct instrumentation is available to the surgeon in the operating field, while maintaining stringent adherence to the principles of asepsis. Robotic techniques have revolutionised many procedures, providing surgeons with improved tissue access and tool control compared with open or laparoscopic techniques. However, adopting this technology has created additional challenges in the scrub nurse's role in areas such as team dynamics and the need to gather and disseminate vital patient information. This article explores the role of the scrub nurse and the challenges that may be encountered in the developing area of robotic surgery.

The role of the bedside assistant in robot-assisted surgery: A critical synthesis

INTRODUCTION

Robot-assisted surgery has grown exponentially since its inception and first approval in the United States in the year 2000. The surgeon operating with the assistance of the robot sits remotely to the patient and another practitioner assists at the bedside. The role of the bedside assistant and the training that is required to undertake this role are understudied topics.

AIM

To explore the functions, training and professional development of the bedside assistant in robot-assisted surgery and propose the necessary foundations for the safe enactment of the role in the United Kingdom.

METHODS

Through critical interpretative synthesis, relevant literature was systematically searched and analysed to inform integration of evidence.

RESULTS

Seventy-three studies were retrieved from the literature, across several health care disciplines and surgical specialities. These were critically analysed to inform a theoretically sound account grounded on evidence.

CONCLUSION

The role, functions and skills of the bedside assistant in robot-assisted surgery vary across contexts. These were analysed and critically synthetised to produce several keys to the success of bedside assistants in robot-assisted surgery in the context of the United Kingdom and of its national regulations.