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Air Force Research Lab studies trust between surgical teams and robots

  • Published
  • By Shireen Bedi
  • Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs
FALLS CHURCH, Va. --  The Air Force Research Lab, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, has been studying how surgical teams gain trust in new robotic surgery technology to improve training, and expand the adoption of improved surgical techniques.

Researchers are working with the Institute for Defense Robotic Surgical Education, or InDoRSE, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. InDoRSE began training surgical teams across the Department of Defense on surgical robotics in March 2017, and is the first military training facility of its kind. In an effort to expand and improve training capabilities, the InDoRSE team is confident the study will make training more effective by revealing any potential barriers to uptake and use of surgical robotics.

 “It is important to study these trust relationships since it impacts the surgeon’s use of the technology,” said Dr. Svyatoslav Guznov, a human factors research psychologist with the Air Force Research Lab. “Understanding the trust relationships ensures that the technology is being used correctly. Studying trust will help inform and improve the training program, and better prepare surgeons to use robotics in their facilities.”

Although it has been shown that robotic surgery can significantly improve patient outcomes, some surgeons are hesitant to trust it.

This new study will focus on how surgical teams learn to trust the surgical robots by observing teams during training. Researchers will examine the current attitudes and beliefs about the robot itself, and seek to understand why people trust, or do not trust, robotic surgery.

“Trust is vital in the operating room, between the surgeon and their tools, and among all members of the team, explained Guznov. “Researchers are also looking to see if there is any impact on communication and coordination between the surgical team when robotics are in use.”

Guznov and his team were inspired by existing research that looked at the trust between pilots and ground sensing technology on aircraft. That research indicated that if a pilot did not trust the technology, they are less likely to use it or they would use it incorrectly. The Air Force Research Lab is interested in how similar trust relationships play out in the medical field.

While this research is in the early stages, preliminary results already show great promise.

 “I have seen skeptical surgeons coming to InDoRSE training and have their view completely changed,” said Maj. Scott Thallemer, perioperative nurse and robotics coordinator with InDoRSE. “This research will help us identify potential barriers and misconceptions about surgical robots, and we’ll use that to help future trainees build trust in the technology.”

Slide show

Air Force Research Lab studies trust between surgical teams and robots

  • Published
  • By Shireen Bedi
  • Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs
FALLS CHURCH, Va. --  The Air Force Research Lab, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, has been studying how surgical teams gain trust in new robotic surgery technology to improve training, and expand the adoption of improved surgical techniques.

Researchers are working with the Institute for Defense Robotic Surgical Education, or InDoRSE, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. InDoRSE began training surgical teams across the Department of Defense on surgical robotics in March 2017, and is the first military training facility of its kind. In an effort to expand and improve training capabilities, the InDoRSE team is confident the study will make training more effective by revealing any potential barriers to uptake and use of surgical robotics.

 “It is important to study these trust relationships since it impacts the surgeon’s use of the technology,” said Dr. Svyatoslav Guznov, a human factors research psychologist with the Air Force Research Lab. “Understanding the trust relationships ensures that the technology is being used correctly. Studying trust will help inform and improve the training program, and better prepare surgeons to use robotics in their facilities.”

Although it has been shown that robotic surgery can significantly improve patient outcomes, some surgeons are hesitant to trust it.

This new study will focus on how surgical teams learn to trust the surgical robots by observing teams during training. Researchers will examine the current attitudes and beliefs about the robot itself, and seek to understand why people trust, or do not trust, robotic surgery.

“Trust is vital in the operating room, between the surgeon and their tools, and among all members of the team, explained Guznov. “Researchers are also looking to see if there is any impact on communication and coordination between the surgical team when robotics are in use.”

Guznov and his team were inspired by existing research that looked at the trust between pilots and ground sensing technology on aircraft. That research indicated that if a pilot did not trust the technology, they are less likely to use it or they would use it incorrectly. The Air Force Research Lab is interested in how similar trust relationships play out in the medical field.

While this research is in the early stages, preliminary results already show great promise.

 “I have seen skeptical surgeons coming to InDoRSE training and have their view completely changed,” said Maj. Scott Thallemer, perioperative nurse and robotics coordinator with InDoRSE. “This research will help us identify potential barriers and misconceptions about surgical robots, and we’ll use that to help future trainees build trust in the technology.”

Edwards provides care, opportunities for children aged six weeks through high school graduation

Edwards provides care, opportunities for childrenaged six weeks through high school graduation

The Child and Youth Program at Edwards AFB provides care and opportunities for kids ages six weeks old through high school graduation. A brief summary of those services follows:

  •                    The Child Development Center cares for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with a DOD-wide curriculum. The curriculum is focused on learning through play activities supporting social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Installations across DOD follow the curriculum on the same timeline to allow seamless permanent change-of-station transitions for youth enrolled in care.
  •                    The School Age Center provides before and after-school care and summer camp for children ages 5 to 12. During school breaks, full-day camps are offered. SAC promotes cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, language and physical development through programs that encourage self-confidence, curiosity, self-discipline and resiliency.
  •                    The open recreation program at the Main Youth Center provides a safe space for ages 9 to 12 to attend after school. Programs include Power Hour, STEM, Torch Club, social recreation, youth camps, special events and more.
  •                    The youth sports program provides intro and league opportunities for ages 3 to 12, and promotes inclusiveness, self-discipline, commitment, resiliency and social skills. There are four sports offered annually for ages five to 12: baseball/softball, soccer, flag football and basketball. Smart start programs are available to ages 3 to 5. There are many other sports and camps offered throughout the year.
  •                    The Teen Center is available for ages 13 to 18 during the school year. Programs offered include Military Youth of the Year, Keystone Club, social recreation, STEM activities, college trips, leadership camps and more.
  •                    Youth programs (SAC, open rec and teen) are affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and 4-H.
  •                    Family Child Care homes – there are currently three FCC homes on the installation. They can provide care for ages two weeks to 12 years. FCC providers are trained by Child and Youth Program training and curriculum specialists and have the flexibility to determine their hours of operation and the ages of youth within their care. The program’s new dedicated manager, Jennifer Stegmann, may be reached at 661-275-7529.

Although CDC enrollment capacity is 317, not all slots are currently filled because of a shortage of childcare workers. School Age Center enrollment capacity is 156. After-school care enrollment is 130. Before-school care enrollment is 75. Summer Camp 2022 was at its capacity and enrollment for Summer Camp 2023 opens April 3.