Ethical discussions for autonomous robotic surgeries

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence is extensively applied and evolving in every field with emerging new techniques and approaches. Similarly, in the health care sector, robotic surgeries are expanding too. The significant leap from the fourth generation to the fifth generation of robots in the medical sector involves crucial decision making, robust infrastructure, and addressing ethical and legal obligations. This research addresses the ethical concern that may arise if surgeons are replaced with autonomous Robots. In this research, we performed a mixed-method approach involving quantitative (various literature reviews) and a qualitative survey which involved 60 participants and was conducted online. 52% of the respondents were not ready for complete automation of surgeries, and 77% were opposed to the possibility of the robot replacing surgeons. 75% of respondents recommended that surgeons monitor the interaction and that robots are aided than being entirely autonomous. Although surgeon substitution is not an ethical choice, these skills should be included in anesthetic and surgical preparation curricula and improved in a simulation environment. The future of this area requires exposure to continuous technological advancement and costing models and healthcare benefit networks for the next wave of robotic systems to achieve a foothold in the new healthcare industry.