Zambian Medical Students’ Attitude Towards Robotic Surgery: A Cross- Sectional Survey

Abstract

Robotic surgery, evolving over half a century, has become a standard in various surgical fields, offering benefits like smaller incisions and improved patient outcomes. Integrating it into medical education is vital to prepare future healthcare professionals. Yet, Zambian medical students' knowledge and attitudes regarding robotic surgery remain largely unexplored. This study aims to bridge this gap, providing insights for healthcare and education. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire between June and July 2021. The study included medical students from various academic years, both genders, and different institutions. Data was collected through a web-based questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and statistical tests. Participants were categorized into groups based on their exposure to robotic surgery. Results: A total of 768 out of 1,113 respondents provided complete responses, resulting in a 69% response rate. Notably, 47.20% of participants had no prior exposure to robotic surgery, while 45.40% expressed a desire to learn more about it. When assessing students' attitudes towards robotic surgery, 38.80% accepted it personally, 51.82% believed patients in Zambia would accept it, and 61.85% agreed that using robots would improve surgical outcomes. However, 62.24% agreed that robotic surgery could make surgeons weaker and less professional. Conclusion: This study sheds light on Zambian medical students' attitudes and knowledge about robotic surgery, underlining the need for tailored educational strategies to address misconceptions and concerns. This prepares the next generation of healthcare professionals in Zambia to embrace advanced surgical techniques and optimize robotic surgery for improved patient outcomes.