Impact of a Wireless System Upon Verbal Communication in a Simulated Robotic Operating Theater

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of communication via the standard Da Vinci Si speaker system with a wireless, hands-free audio system in a prospective blinded study. Methods: Nine hundred and sixty surgical phrases were spoken in a simulated robotic operating room (OR), including 480 phrases expressed via the Da Vinci Si speakers and 480 phrases expressed through a wireless, hands-free system. Using a dual console robotic system, communication was evaluated. Wireless headsets were given to the console and assistant robotic console surgeons, bedside assistant, anesthesiologist, and circulating nurse. An accurate response was defined as hearing the phrase correctly and transcribing it on a data sheet. The primary outcome was the number of correct phrases recorded during the study and secondary outcomes included subjective clarity and effectiveness of communication reported using a Likert scale. Results: Overall, the wireless, hands-free system increased the accuracy of communication (390/480 [81.3%]) compared to the conventional robotic system (310/480 [64.4%]; P