Innovation Adoption in Medical Robotic Surgery: Case of Royal Bournemouth Hospital

This research sets to address two key areas. The first is identified by the researcher in academic literature that there is a lack of a comprehensive innovation adoption model in UK National Health System (NHS), specifically for Medical Robotic Surgery. Existing frameworks are mainly developed in the US or in other fields. The second problem was identified by surgeons involved in Robotic Surgery in Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH). The project started by offering RBH a deeper understanding of the innovation adoption process, issues and development of an adapted innovation model, however after our initial meeting with the Surgical Director and his team, it was clear that one the main areas RBH was keen for us to investigate, was the communication pathway of all stakeholders involved in robotic surgery adoption. They were concerned that key staff dealing with patients undergoing medical robotic surgery were uninformed about the technology and process which can impact patients' experience and staff communication.

The research will develop a comprehensive innovation adoption model for robotic surgery (and similar medical innovation) in NHS. Currently there are no models adapted to NHS UK structure and requirements. This model will assist the NHS to understand and evaluate any innovation adoption process within the NHS and to avoid future innovation adoption failure.

The case example will Identify the communication pathway and key stakeholders in RBH for the process of Gastrointestinal Robotic Surgery, evaluation of stakeholders' knowledge and needs and further proposing ways to improve adoption and increase knowledge. NHS can use the proposed communication pathway to identify stakeholders that need to be informed, trained and communicated to, in any innovation adoption process within NHS.