Low Public Awareness of Robotic Surgery in UAE: Cureus Study Insights on Knowledge and Perceptions

Defining Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Technology and Process

Robotic-assisted surgery, often referred to as RAS, involves systems like the da Vinci Surgical System, where a surgeon sits at a console equipped with hand controls and a 3D high-definition viewer. The robotic arms, fitted with tiny instruments and cameras, mimic the surgeon's movements with greater precision and range than human hands alone. The process typically unfolds in steps: preoperative planning with imaging, patient positioning under general anesthesia, console docking of the robot, incision for port placement, surgery execution, and undocking followed by closure.

In the UAE context, RAS has gained traction in specialties such as urology, gynecology, and general surgery. Hospitals like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and American Hospital Dubai have pioneered programs, performing thousands of procedures annually. This technology reduces blood loss, shortens recovery times, and minimizes scarring, but its success hinges on public trust and awareness.

Study Methodology: A Robust Cross-Sectional Approach

Researchers employed convenience sampling via social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram to reach UAE residents aged 18 and older. A 20-item questionnaire, adapted from prior validated tools and available in Arabic and English, assessed demographics, awareness (six items), and perceptions (seven Likert-scale items). With a Cronbach's alpha of 0.753 for reliability, responses from 433 valid participants were analyzed using SPSS, employing chi-square tests and odds ratios to uncover associations.

This method ensured broad representation, though self-selection via online recruitment may skew toward younger, tech-savvy groups. The study's academic ties, including ethics clearance from University of Sharjah, exemplify how UAE universities contribute to evidence-based health policy.

Demographic Profile of Participants

The sample reflected UAE's diverse population: 59.6% female, median age 23 years (60.6% aged 18-30), 46.2% Emirati, 45.5% with bachelor's degrees, 48% students, and 61.2% in non-medical occupations. This youthful, educated cohort provides a snapshot of emerging healthcare consumers, many affiliated with higher education.

• Age distribution: 60.6% 18-30 years
• Nationality: 46.2% Emirati, rest expatriates
• Education: 45.5% bachelor's, higher levels linked to better awareness
• Occupation: 48% students, highlighting youth perspectives

Alarming Low Awareness Levels Uncovered

A staggering 81.1% of respondents exhibited inadequate awareness of RAS, with only 18.9% demonstrating adequate knowledge. Just 27.5% correctly identified that RAS involves a surgeon operating from a console, debunking myths of fully autonomous robots.

Awareness varied significantly: medical field workers showed 25.4% adequate awareness versus 15.8% in non-medical roles (p=0.028). Postgraduate-educated participants reached 30.4% awareness compared to 16.8% for bachelor's holders (p=0.034).

Knowledge Gaps and Common Misconceptions

Participants recognized potential benefits like improved precision (71.3%), shorter recovery (68.1%), reduced errors (67.9%), and addressing surgeon shortages (63.3%). However, misconceptions persisted around disadvantages: 59.1% feared increased pain, 58.4% higher complications, and 51.7% inaccuracy.

These gaps underscore the need for educational interventions. In higher education, integrating RAS modules into medical curricula at institutions like UAE University or Gulf Medical University could equip future professionals to educate patients effectively.

Perceptions and Willingness to Undergo RAS

Attitudes were mixed: 47.6% highly positive (willing to undergo), 34.2% moderate (unsure), 18.3% negative. Crucially, those with adequate knowledge were 14.5 times more likely to consider RAS (p<0.001). Recommendation rates stood at 37.2% yes, 29.1% no, 33.7% unsure.

For medical students eyeing careers, platforms like higher ed jobs offer opportunities in UAE's advancing health sector.

Influential Factors: Education, Occupation, Tech Literacy

Technology proficiency emerged as key: proficient users were 2.5 times more likely to have adequate knowledge (p=0.003). Postgraduate education doubled odds (OR=2.174), emphasizing higher learning's role.

• Medical occupation: OR=0.552 for adequate awareness
• Postgraduate vs Bachelor's: OR=2.174
• Tech proficient vs Basic: Adjusted OR=2.526

UAE universities can leverage this by embedding tech-health literacy in programs, fostering informed graduates.

Contrasting with Healthcare Experts' Views

A prior study from Canadian University Dubai found 88% of UAE healthcare experts view RAS favorably, with 94% believing it boosts hospital reputation. Challenges like cost (59%) and training shortages persist, aligning with public concerns but highlighting a perception divide.

This gap calls for university-led bridges, such as simulation training at American Hospital Dubai's hub, accessible to med students.

UAE's Growing Robotic Surgery Ecosystem

The UAE leads regionally, with systems at Fakeeh University Hospital, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City offering courses, and new da Vinci 5 at King's College Hospital Dubai. Market projections estimate $500 million by 2030, driven by minimally invasive demand.

University affiliations, like UAEU's minimally invasive research, position academia centrally. Explore UAE academic opportunities for health innovators.

Higher Education's Pivotal Role in Awareness Building

UAE universities like University of Sharjah and American University in the Emirates are at the forefront, hosting research competitions and ethics oversight. Integrating RAS simulation labs, as at MBZUAI for AI-robotics, prepares students.

Recommendations include curricula reforms, public outreach via student campaigns, and partnerships with hospitals. For aspiring educators and researchers, university jobs abound.

Photo by Lena Bochanova on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Bridging Gaps for Adoption

Targeted campaigns via social media, school programs, and collaborations promise to elevate awareness. As UAE invests in health tech, educated publics will drive demand, benefiting patients and economy.

Stakeholders should prioritize training: universities develop programs, hospitals expand access. Actionable steps include tech literacy workshops and RAS demos.

Check higher ed career advice for paths in medical innovation, rate my professor for top mentors, and higher-ed-jobs for roles.