A comparative study of the opinions, experiences and individual innovativeness characteristics of operating room nurses on robotic surgery

Abstract Aim To compare and evaluate operating room nurses’ opinions about robotic surgery with their individual innovativeness metric scores. The aim was also to identify the experiences, adaptation processes and influencing factors of operating room nurses working in robotic surgery rooms in Turkey. Design This was a comparative descriptive study. Methods The sample included 114 operating room nurses working in 12 institutions that performed robotic surgery in Turkey. Data were collected between January 2018 and September 2019 using the Demographic Characteristics of Nurses and Robotic Surgery Evaluation Form and the Individual Innovativeness Scale, and were analysed using a quantitative statistical approach (independent samples t ‐test, one‐way analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis H test). The data obtained from the Robotic Surgery Evaluation section, which consisted of open‐ended and closed‐ended questions, were analysed with appropriate steps. In particular, answers to open‐ended questions were grouped and coded according to their content. Results Operating room nurses held positive opinions about robotic surgery. Only 35.8% of the nurses had received training before joining the robotic team, while 55.2% had individually searched for information. Operating room nurses with robotic surgery experience had significantly higher ( p < .001) individual innovativeness scores. Over 85% of nurses who received training adapted to robotic surgery in 3 months or less, while nurses with higher individual innovativeness scores adapted in a statistically significantly ( p < .05) shorter period. Training, teamwork, and practical experience were mentioned as facilitating factors; inadequate training and technical problems were reported as obstructing factors. Conclusion Operating room nurses hold positive opinions about robotic surgery; nurses with robotic surgery experience have higher levels of individual innovativeness; and nurses who have received training are significantly better adapted. Impact What problem did the study address? This study addresses the need for a better understanding of operating room nurses’ opinions and experiences about robotic surgery and the influencing factors of adapting to it. This study also offers an evaluation and comparison of the nurses’ individual innovativeness characteristics and the correlation with their adaptation processes to the new role. What were the main findings? The main findings show a correlation between specific education/training and nurses’ adaptation to the new role of robotic surgery, the individual innovativeness characteristics metric of nurses with or without robotic surgery experience and the time frame of their adaptation. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This research traces the profile of current operating room nurses working in the robotic surgery field and the factors influencing their experience. These findings and conclusions have a much broader impact than in Turkey alone. The findings raise awareness of the importance of educating and preparing operating room nurses before introducing them to the new roles and responsibilities inherent to robotic surgery.