Title:

Surgical Human-Robot Collaborations: Transforming Training, Skills, and Safety

Abstract: 

The introduction of surgical robotic systems in the operating room has changed the paradigm of how surgical team members physically and cognitively interact with both technology and one another. This shift has highlighted the need to reconsider nontechnical skills – task relevant cognitive and interpersonal skills among surgical team members – and to adapt surgical training accordingly. This presentation will highlight the impacts of robotic technology, both surgical systems and wearables, on skills training and clinician safety. It will also introduce potential interventions such as adaptive training programs and exoskeletons, aimed at improving surgical human-robot collaborations and team dynamics to promote surgical safety and performance.

Bio: 

Jackie Cha, PhD CPE is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering and faculty with the Biomedical Data Science and Informatics Program at Clemson University and Faculty Scholar in the Clemson University School of Health Research. She obtained her PhD in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University, and MSE and BSE in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on measuring physical human-robot interactions, particularly in healthcare (surgical) environments, to improve team performance, safety, and system efficiency. Her research has been funded by several sponsors such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) (including the NSF CAREER award), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).