Qualitative perspectives of early surgeon users on the value of the daVinci 5 surgical system

To understand the value and experience of using the da Vinci 5 (dV-5) robotic surgical system among early-adopting surgeons in the United States. In March 2024, da Vinci 5 was released with new features such as a haptic technology (called Force Feedback) and Case Insights, a tool leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver video recordings of cases with objective metrics of performance. Few studies have assessed the value and challenges experienced by surgeons using this new system. Twenty-three semi-structured qualitative interviews were completed with surgeon-participants over video conferencing software representing a selection of surgical specialties, case volumes, and practice types. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and deidentified. Results were analyzed by one reviewer using an inductive-deductive thematic approach and further verified by another reviewer. Themes were mapped to value domains and challenges with adoption. Among the participants, there were a higher proportion of males, surgeons who practiced at community hospitals, and those with medium to high volumes of robotic cases. Thematic analysis revealed two main themes with seven subthemes exploring either the value beliefs or barriers/challenges with adoption to the new system. Participants found the most value in dV-5 with its ergonomic comfort, ability to support future training of surgeons, and an economic benefit in reducing operative time. There were mixed findings around its impact for improving clinical outcomes given the early system maturity. Thematic analysis of interviews with early-adopting surgeons indicated that the dV5 system supports better ergonomics, surgeon training and may have implications for some key surgical metrics such as tissue tearing and operative time.