The use of robotics in surgery has seen a significant increase in recent years, with HCA Healthcare at the forefront of this revolution. Thomas Payne, the national medical director of robotics for HCA Healthcare, plays a crucial role in selecting the best robotic platforms for the health system’s facilities. With approximately 20 different robotic platforms and a total of 933 robots in use as of February, HCA Healthcare has reached a milestone of performing over 1 million surgical procedures with the help of robots.
In an interview with MedTech Dive, Payne discussed the reasons behind the growing adoption of robotic surgery, HCA’s full embrace of this approach, and the evaluation process for new entrants in a market historically dominated by Intuitive Surgical.
HCA Healthcare views its investment in robotics as essential to its mission of patient care. The decision to acquire new robotic platforms involves input from a board of physicians, surgeons, and experts who assess the technology’s value in improving patient outcomes. Payne emphasized that the ultimate decision on which robots to purchase lies with the surgeons, who provide feedback based on their experience and expertise.
The benefits of robotically assisted surgery for patients are significant. Compared to open surgery, minimally invasive procedures result in lower rates of complications, blood loss, transfusions, readmissions, and infections. Payne highlighted the reproducibility of robotic-assisted surgery as a key factor in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
As the field of surgical robotics continues to evolve, HCA Healthcare is committed to training the next generation of surgeons in robotic techniques. The increasing demand for robotic-assisted surgery among surgical residents reflects a shift towards this preferred method of operation.
With a growing number of companies entering the surgical robotics market, HCA Healthcare carefully evaluates new technologies to ensure they meet the healthcare provider’s standards for efficacy and success. By involving expert surgeons in the assessment process and prioritizing the needs of patients, HCA Healthcare aims to maintain a high level of quality in its robotic surgical programs.
Overall, HCA Healthcare’s strategic approach to investing in robotics has proven successful in enhancing patient care, reducing healthcare costs, and advancing the field of surgical robotics. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements and prioritizing patient outcomes, HCA Healthcare continues to lead the way in robotically assisted surgery.
