Robotic Surgery Perception and Attitude Among Medical Students in the Gulf Countries: A Multinational Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Robotic surgery comprises surgical procedures performed via robotic assistance. Recently, 75% more surgical robotic systems were installed in the United States’ hospitals. Saudi Arabia was the first regionally to introduce robotic surgery in 2003. Our study aims to compare and assess medical students’ knowledge and attitude on robotic surgery in the Gulf Region. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed medical students across Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar. Our questionnaire evaluated demographical background, knowledge on robotic surgery, and lastly attitude towards robotic surgery. Results: The 278 participants (UAE: 144, KSA: 99, and Qatar: 35) were mostly female (66.9%), preclinical students (56.1%) and local (53.2%). Most UAE participants (86.8%) were aware of local robotic surgery applications, while most KSA (62.6%) and Qatar (82.9%) participants were not sure. Most KSA (60.6%), UAE (89.6%) and Qatar (68.6%) students correctly defined robotic surgery. Most participants from KSA felt neutral (36.3%) or agreed (33.3%) to use robotic surgery in clinical practice, while majority of UAE participants (57.6%) strongly agreed, and Qatar participants (51.4%) agreed. In addition, KSA respondents were more neutral (42.4%) on investing into robotic surgeries than UAE and Qatar participants. Conclusion: Most UAE participants were aware of local robotic surgery applications, while most KSA and Qatar participants were not sure. Mostmedical students in the Middle East had high level of knowledge on robotic surgery and its characteristics. However, attitudes on applicability of robotic surgery varied between positive and neutral outlooks depending on the country.