Assessment of knowledge and awareness regarding Robotics-Assisted Surgery (RAS) among Saudi population: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: An increasing number of surgeries are being performed with the assistance of robots and this new technology necessitates a strong commitment on the part of healthcare providers and patients alike.The purpose of this study was to investigate the public's awareness, knowledge and perceptions of Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) in Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods: An online pretested questionnaire was used to collect responses from participants from different provinces of Saudi Arabia.Participants' selfreported knowledge and perceptions were recorded and based on the correct responses, knowledge levels were calculated.Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests by an independent biostatistician.Results: The knowledge level regarding RAS was found to be poor in the majority of the participants (88.8%), although 74.5% had heard about RAS.Only 33.5% knew that RAS is available in Saudi Arabia and 44.8% knew that it is similar to Laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery.Knowledge level was significantly higher among participants with higher educational qualifications (p<0.05).About 41.7% believed that robots could be so accurate they would help the surgeon do a better job and approximately 9.3% had the view that robotic surgeons are less skilled than non-robotic surgeons.Conclusion:Knowledge and perceptions about RAS are limited among the public in Saudi Arabia.Efforts should be made to increase awareness by utilizing various virtual media platforms.