The SENSE Study: Surgical ENvironment Stress Evaluation
The SENSE study explores how much stress orthopaedic surgeons experience when performing operations like total hip and knee replacements. These complex surgeries demand a lot from surgeons, both physically and mentally. While patient well-being is always the main focus, supporting surgical teams is also really important. This study aims to understand if robot-assisted surgery might help reduce the stress on surgeons compared to traditional methods. They believe that robotic help could make surgery more efficient and lessen the physical and mental demands on surgeons. Researchers will use special brain imaging to measure cognitive stress to see if robotic assistance truly makes a difference in the operating theatre.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The SENSE study, which stands for Surgical ENvironment Stress Evaluation, is looking into how much stress surgeons experience during very detailed operations like hip and knee replacements. These types of surgeries need surgeons to have a lot of skill, both with their hands and their minds, and they can be very demanding.
Usually, when we talk about healthcare, the patient's health is the main concern, which is absolutely right. However, the high levels of physical and mental stress that surgeons face are also very important. If surgeons are less stressed, it could help them perform even better and recover more quickly. This study will look at whether using robots to assist in surgery can help ease some of this pressure. Robots might make surgeries more efficient and reduce some of the physical and mental effort surgeons have to put in. They want to see if new brain scanning technologies can help them understand more about how surgeons think and react during these procedures.
While previous studies have looked at surgeon stress, often just by checking heart rates, this study plans to use special brain imaging techniques. This will help them understand more deeply how different ways of operating affect a surgeon's cognitive stress – which is stress related to thinking and understanding. This particular study is new because it will use these advanced brain scanning methods specifically in orthopaedic surgery, which involves bones and joints, something that hasn't been done much before.
Key takeaways
- The study explores surgeon stress during hip and knee replacements.
- It compares stress levels in traditional vs. robot-assisted surgery.
- The research aims to support surgeons and improve surgical environments.
- Special brain imaging will be used to measure cognitive stress.
- This is the first time this brain imaging is used in orthopaedic surgery context.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for a very specific group of people to take part. They are inviting orthopaedic surgeons, both male and female, who are between 18 and 65 years old. To be considered, surgeons must be experienced in performing both traditional surgery and robot-assisted surgery for total hip replacements, total knee replacements, and partial knee replacements.
It's also really important that anyone taking part understands what the study involves and is happy to give their agreement to participate. This is called 'informed consent'.
However, some surgeons would not be able to join the study. If a surgeon has a history of certain health conditions, they would not be eligible. This includes anyone who has had problems with their brain or nervous system, a serious head injury, or any condition that affects their thinking or memory.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you an orthopaedic surgeon?
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
- Do you have experience with both traditional and robotic hip and knee replacements?
- Do you not have a history of brain or mental health conditions?
- Are you willing to understand and agree to take part?
What does participation involve?
The information provided does not detail the specific steps or visits involved for participants in the SENSE study. It mentions using special brain imaging, so it is likely that participants would undergo these scans while performing surgeries or simulated surgeries. The study is focused on surgeons and their stress levels during procedures, rather than patients receiving treatment. Therefore, there would not be medication involved for participants in relation to the study itself, nor follow-up appointments in the traditional sense for patients. The total duration of participation is not specified, but it would likely involve specific periods of observation or assessment during surgical procedures.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is this study trying to find out?
This study aims to understand how stressful surgery is for orthopaedic surgeons, especially comparing traditional surgery to robot-assisted surgery for hip and knee replacements.
Who can take part in this study?
The study is for orthopaedic surgeons aged 18-65 who are experienced in both traditional and robotic hip and knee replacement surgeries.
Will robots replace surgeons?
No, robot-assisted surgery means robots work with surgeons, not instead of them. The study looks at how this assistance might change the surgeon's experience.
How will they measure surgeon stress?
Researchers will use special techniques, including brain imaging, to measure how much cognitive stress surgeons experience during different types of operations.
What is the main goal of this research?
The goal is to improve the understanding of stress in surgery to support surgical teams and potentially enhance patient outcomes by optimizing the surgical environment.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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