5G-Enabled Hybrid Operating Rooms in the Digital Transformation of Healthcare: A Comparative SWOT Analysis of Türkiye and Global Practices

Aim: This study aims to comprehensively examine the new paradigm introduced by 5G-enabled hybrid operating rooms within the digital transformation of healthcare services. The study focuses on evaluating the role of this technological integration in surgical practices through a comparative perspective, with particular emphasis on Türkiye and global examples. Methods: A qualitative and comparative research design was adopted. The study analyzes 5G-based surgical projects, smart hospital initiatives, city hospitals, and pilot hybrid operating room implementations in Türkiye, alongside international practices in the European Union, the United States, and East Asian countries. The collected data were systematically assessed using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis framework to evaluate technological, organizational, and policy-related dimensions. Results: The findings reveal that 5G-enabled hybrid operating rooms contribute significantly to increased surgical precision, real-time high-resolution image transmission, rapid clinical decision-making, and improved patient safety. Strong aspects include enhanced multidisciplinary collaboration, remote expert support, and the integration of robotic surgery and artificial intelligence. However, high infrastructure and investment costs, technical integration challenges, and the need for qualified human resources were identified as major weaknesses. Opportunities were mainly associated with remote surgery, health tourism, and international collaborations, while threats included data security concerns, regulatory incompatibilities, and digital inequalities. Conclusion: The study concludes that 5G-enabled hybrid operating rooms represent a transformative paradigm in the digitalization of healthcare services. For Türkiye, aligning this transformation with global best practices through sustainable policies, robust governance mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks is essential to maximize benefits and minimize risks.