The Operating Room Global Journal
Awareness, Perception, and Readiness for Telesurgery among Medical Students and Doctors in a University and Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Nigeria
By The Operating Room Global (TORG), Matthew Ayomide Abiodun, Precious Ikhianose Aitanun and 3 others.
Abstract
Background
Despite the growing interest in telesurgery, empirical data from low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, remains minimal. This study assessed the awareness, perception of barriers and benefits, and readiness for telesurgery among medical students at Ambrose Alli University, Nigeria and medical doctors at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Methods
This study adopted a cross-sectional mixed-methods design. 390 respondents were included (280 clinical-year medical students and 110 medical doctors) in the survey. Four focus group discussions were analysed.
Results
Among 390 respondents (280 medical students and 110 doctors), 80.5% were aware of telesurgery, but only 10.5% had received formal robotic or telesurgery training. Doctors demonstrated significantly greater awareness than students (93.6% vs 75.4%; p<0.001). Most respondents believed telesurgery could improve access to specialist care (68.7%) and be safe with adequate infrastructure (73.3%). However, only 22.1% rated their institutions as moderately ready or better, while 55.6% considered them not at all ready. Although 52.3% were willing to undergo training, major barriers included unreliable electricity (70.0%), poor internet connectivity (62.1%), and equipment costs (50.5%). Focus group discussions reinforced concerns about infrastructure, training, and regulatory preparedness.