Nursing care on a patient undergoing RAL - benefits and areas that need improvement: A thematic analysis

Abstract: Background: Robot-assisted laparoscopy (RAL) is an important surgical method that is expanding quickly. Despite its swift development, the research situation varies and from several perspectives there is a general lack of scientific evidence for RAL as a method. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the perioperative nursing care of the patient undergoing RAL, with focus on the intraoperative climate and nursing measures. Method: Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with perioperative registered nurses (RN). The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis (TA) to identify and present patterns and themes. Results: The patients intraoperative care is affected by RAL in several ways. For the perioperative RN, there is a lot to keep track of and think about in order to maintain asepsis and to ensure the patient's physical safety during these procedures. The positioning of the patient is important in order to avoid pressure ulcers and press-related pain injuries, as well as over-stretching and nerve damage. It is a larger sterile area in a narrow environment where it can be difficult to get an overview and maintain the asepsis. Discussion: The study's results have contributed to new meaningful knowledge to the perioperative care in RAL. The difficulties with preparations and positioning were risk factors for the patient, in contrast with the advantages of the surgery for the same, which could however be improved and developed with the help of guidelines and follow-up.