Cost and Effectiveness of Surgical Robots

Topic Suggestion

1. What is the decision or change you are facing or struggling with where a summary of the evidence would be helpful?

We are interested in understanding the appropriate, cost-effective use of surgical robots such as DaVinci.  Is there an advantage to using the robot and is it cost effective? Or, should it be in our marketing budget?

2. Why are you struggling with this issue?

Currently, using a robot costs approximately $3,000 dollars more per surgery. $2,000 for the infrastructure and maintenance and $1,000 for the robotic supplies (beyond the cost of laparoscopic surgery). It seems there are many surgeons who can perform many surgeries faster and at a lower cost using laparoscopic techniques without the robot. The consultants and vendor reps state that "robots are here to stay" and "they will grow in use exponentially over the next 10 years".

A statement by ARHQ would help to guide the growth. If it is justified, we will budget accordingly. If not, we will not buy additional robots and seek "appropriate" use of the robots.

3. What do you want to see changed? How will you know that your issue is improving or has been addressed?

Guidance will help us budget our capital purchases of robots and also guide our focus for the training of new surgeons.

4. When do you need the evidence report?

Sat, 08/31/2019

5. What will you do with the evidence report?

Honestly, I need this yesterday.  I will take this to the surgical chairs at my health system and ask them to use the guidelines in their practice. Meawhile, I will budget appropriately for new technology. For the cost of the robot, I could have additional nursing support or support other trade-offs that provide more effective, evidence based improvements in our care.

(Optional) About You

May we contact you if we have questions about your nomination?

Yes