Introduction
This paper critiques a research article, “Trends in the Adoption of Robotic Surgery for Common Surgical Procedures,” by Sheetz et al. (2020). The article was chosen because the topic described can have a meaningful impact on nursing care. Overall, it provides a concise account of the experience of using surgical equipment, the prevalence of which is steadily increasing and is likely to become a new norm in the future.
Article Critique
Abstract and Introduction
The title is accurate and provides a concise description of the article’s essence. The article’s representation in the abstract is evident in its structure – it contains sections that summarize the content of major sections. The brief introduction establishes the article’s purpose, which is “to characterize contemporary trends in the adoption of robotic surgery” (Sheetz et al., 2020, p. 1). Although the article does not clearly state the problem, the authors explain why exploring the prevalence of robotic surgery is essential. It also serves as the reason for conducting the research, as the costs and health benefits of robotic surgery are unclear.
The research question is clearly defined and can be seen at the beginning of the article: How does the use of robotic surgery change over time? No theoretical framework is described, nor should it be, since the research is practical and involves tangible data.
The article lacks a dedicated section for a literature review. Yet the authors specify that “this investigation builds on existing literature, which has shown similar associations of an increase in robotic prostatectomy with hospital acquisitions of robotic systems” (Sheetz et al., 2020, p. 6). The sources referenced were published between 2011 and 2019, thus making only a small part of them recent.
Methods
The study employs a cohort design, a type of observational approach. As the research aims to observe trends rather than assess the effectiveness of a specific intervention, the design is suitable for this study. The sample is represented by “inpatient and outpatient general surgical episodes from January 1, 2012, through June 30, 2018,” available in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative database (Sheetz et al., 2020, p. 2). It fits the design because it showcases how often robotics is used.
The overall number of patients operated on by robotic equipment is 169,404, which is sufficient to conclude overall trends. No specific data collection instrument was needed, as the data was accessed directly from the database. Reliability and validity were not directly accounted for, as the database provider was responsible for its quality.
Statistical analysis was employed as the primary method of analysis, given the study’s nature. Both calculations and interpretations represent the study results. The numerical values are extensive and detailed, with a table outlining the statistical proportions of all data groups. The statistics are clearly explained as the authors articulate the change in the use of robotics.
Results and Discussion
The authors clearly state how the results impact the research question: “The use of robotic surgery increased rapidly and diffused widely across numerous different procedures” (Sheetz et al., 2020, p. 5). The implication for nursing is that robotics will continue to increase, and nurses will need to learn to work more effectively with machines.
The authors admit two critical limitations that might have influenced their conclusions. First, they acknowledge that all data are collected from a single clinical registry, which cannot be generalized to the country. Second, the study only ascertains that more robotics surgeries are done, but not the causes. The only implication highlighted was most likely directed at policymakers, whom the authors urged “to ensure that enthusiasm for a new technology does not outpace the evidence needed to use it” (Sheetz et al., 2020, p. 8). Nevertheless, the conclusion is definitive regarding the rising prevalence of robotic surgeries, although no specific recommendations are provided.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article offers valuable insights into robotics that can be applied in nursing practice, as the prevalence of machinery in surgeries is likely to increase. In my facility, nurses are expected to be trained in operating the equipment. Examples of basic decision-support tools during surgery are real-time navigation systems and robotic arms equipped with cameras (Vadalà et al., 2020). Combined, they ensure greater surgical precision and patient safety.
References
Sheetz, K. H., Claflin, J., & Dimick, J. B. (2020). Trends in the adoption of robotic surgery for common surgical procedures. JAMA Network Open, 3(1), 1-9. Web.
Vadalà, G., De Salvatore, S., Ambrosio, L., Russo, F., Papalia, R., & Denaro, V. (2020). Robotic spine surgery and augmented reality systems: A state of the art. Neurospine, 17(1), 88-100. Web.