JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Robotic-assisted surgery is increasingly being integrated into surgical services worldwide. Successful implementation of robotic surgical technologies depends not only on clinical effectiveness but also on public trust, perceptions of safety, and willingness to utilize technology-enabled care. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the adoption of robotic-assisted surgery is expanding rapidly; however, evidence regarding public perceptions and factors influencing acceptance remains limited.

Objective:

To assess awareness, understanding, perceptions, and factors independently associated with preference for robotic-assisted surgery among UAE residents.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between July and November 2025 among adults aged ≥18 years residing across multiple emirates in the UAE. Participants were recruited using a non-probability convenience sampling approach through hospitals, shopping malls, community events, university mailing lists, and social media platforms. A bilingual Arabic-English questionnaire adapted from previously validated robotic surgery perception instruments was administered. Descriptive statistics summarized participant responses. Associations between participant characteristics and perceptions of robotic-assisted surgery were examined using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. To adjust for potential confounding, a multivariable Firth-penalized logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors independently associated with preference for robotic-assisted surgery over traditional surgeon-performed surgery. Statistical analyses were conducted using R version 4.4.1.

Results:

A total of 508 participants were included. Although 85% had previously heard of robotic-assisted surgery, only 38% demonstrated an accurate functional understanding of robotic surgical systems. Overall, 33% preferred robotic-assisted surgery, while 35% perceived robotic-assisted procedures as safe. The most frequently reported concerns were robotic malfunction (71%), reduced human involvement (47%), and procedural costs (36%). Perceived benefits included improved surgical precision (65%) and reduced complications (36%). In multivariable analysis, Participants who perceived RAS as safe had substantially higher odds of preferring a robot-assisted surgeon than those who were uncertain about its safety (aOR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.56–5.87, P < 0.001). Conversely, participants who perceived RAS as unsafe had substantially lower odds of preferring a robot-assisted surgeon than those who were uncertain about its safety (aOR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.02–0.26, P < 0.001). No other factors were independently associated with surgeon preference after adjustment.

Conclusions:

Within this predominantly highly educated convenience sample of UAE residents, awareness of robotic-assisted surgery was high, but accurate understanding and acceptance remained limited. Perceived safety emerged as the factor shaping preference for robotic-assisted surgery, highlighting the importance of trust and confidence in technology-enabled healthcare. These findings suggest that public education, transparent communication regarding surgeon oversight, and patient engagement strategies may be important components of the successful implementation of robotic surgical services in the UAE.