Robotic Emergencies: Are You Prepared for a Disaster?

The surgical robot is a complex tool that surgeons use to perform a variety of minimally invasive procedures. Perioperative nurses play a vital role in patient care when the surgical robot is in use; a key goal is to ensure optimal patient safety while using this complex, innovative technology. Robotics proficiency requires extensive and continuous education for all members of the perioperative team. Successful robotics programs should employ focused initiatives and a multidisciplinary approach for the prevention and management of robotic emergencies. To facilitate the appropriate response and minimize patient harm, members of the surgical team should be aware of their expected roles and responsibilities. The robotics program should have specific procedures and protocols, such as a critical event checklist and an emergent conversion-to-open procedure checklist that define each surgical team member's task during an emergency, and robust ongoing education, skills review, and competency validation for robotics team members.