Leadership Strategies for Robotic Surgery Adoption : A Case Study of Oslo University Hospital

Background: Hospitals can benefit from robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) technology because it delivers better surgical outcomes compared to open surgery and quick patient recovery times and improved operating conditions for medical staff. The adoption of this technology faces numerous challenges in hospitals because it requires substantial financial investment, and clinicians remain sceptical about its implementation. Purpose: This thesis investigates the ways through which hospital leadership can tackle the human and organizational challenges that departments face before starting to use RAS. Method: The research used a qualitative case study design at The Intervention Centre located at Oslo University Hospital in Norway. The research team conducted nine semi-structured interviews with clinicians and engineers and administrators. The analysis followed the Gioia methodology and thematic analysis to generate inductive insights. Results and analyses: The research identified six primary obstacles which included financial constraints together with unorganized training programs and inconsistent institutional backing and inadequate infrastructure and clinical staff doubts. Implementing leadership strategies such as inclusive planning, transparent communication, and interdisciplinary training helped build trust and improved adoption rates. The research community recognized RAS as a strategic asset which would boost institutional reputation and increase research activity. Conclusions: The successful implementation of RAS needs more than technology acquisition because it requires hospital departments to work together under coordinated leadership with cultural alignment and sustained commitment. The successful implementation of RAS depends on building trust, inclusive decision-making processes, and long-term financial planning to establish RAS as an institutional practice. Recommendations for future research: Future research needs to analyse RAS adoption across different healthcare institutions while gathering patient feedback to achieve a complete understanding of healthcare technology transformations. Keywords: Robotic-assisted surgery, Change management, Leadership, Healthcare innovation, Organizational Adoption