Ethical discussions for autonomous robotic surgeries

Victor Chang, Mohana R. Kamanooru, Gilbert Tsibu Darko

Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputConference publication

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence is extensively applied and evolving in every field with emerging new techniques and approaches. Similarly, in the health care sector, robotic surgeries are expanding too. The significant leap from the fourth generation to the fifth generation of robots in the medical sector involves crucial decision making, robust infrastructure, and addressing ethical and legal obligations. This research addresses the ethical concern that may arise if surgeons are replaced with autonomous Robots. In this research, we performed a mixed-method approach involving quantitative (various literature reviews) and a qualitative survey which involved 60 participants and was conducted online. 52% of the respondents were not ready for complete automation of surgeries, and 77% were opposed to the possibility of the robot replacing surgeons. 75% of respondents recommended that surgeons monitor the interaction and that robots are aided than being entirely autonomous. Although surgeon substitution is not an ethical choice, these skills should be included in anesthetic and surgical preparation curricula and improved in a simulation environment. The future of this area requires exposure to continuous technological advancement and costing models and healthcare benefit networks for the next wave of robotic systems to achieve a foothold in the new healthcare industry.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSPIE Proceedings Volume 12128, Second International Conference on Industrial IoT, Big Data, and Supply Chain
EditorsVictor Chang, Yongxin Zhu, Hong Yu
PublisherSPIE
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9781510651326
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Dec 2021
Event2nd International Conference on Industrial IoT, Big Data, and Supply Chain 2021 - Macao, Virtual, China
Duration: 15 Oct 202117 Oct 2021

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume12128
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

Conference2nd International Conference on Industrial IoT, Big Data, and Supply Chain 2021
Country/TerritoryChina
CityMacao, Virtual
Period15/10/2117/10/21

Bibliographical note

Copyright 2021 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited.

Keywords

  • Autonomous robots
  • Robotic surgeries (RSs)
  • Surgeon replacement

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