Assessing Perception and Adoption of Robotics Among Healthcare Professionals in Kerala : A Quantitative Study on Acceptance of Robotics Within Healthcare Sector.

Abstract

Robotics, initially developed for automation and precision tasks across various industries, have now established a vital role in healthcare by alleviating burdens for both patients and medical professionals. This study primarily seeks to investigate how healthcare professionals in Kerala perceive robotics and to assess the extent of their adoption of these technologies. It aims to understand the acceptance of robotics in the healthcare sector, providing insights into potential barriers and facilitators for integrating robotics into medical practice in Kerala. Utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and employing structured surveys and statistical analysis, the study delivers robust insights into the current state of robotics integration in healthcare by assessing the perceptions of professionals employed in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities across Kerala. Surveying 70 healthcare professionals, the research unveils significant enthusiasm, particularly among younger professionals aged 24-34. Overall, 67% of the respondents recognize the benefits of robotics in automating routine tasks, enhancing surgical precision, and improving operational efficiency through error reduction. The study highlights key challenges: 49% of respondents report a lack of comprehensive training as a major barrier to training, while 38% cite financial constraints as major challenge to broader adoption. Despite these challenges, 53% of professionals express strong support for integrating robotics, showcasing their readiness to leverage technology for enhanced patient care and surgical outcomes. Additionally, the study identifies a positive relationship between increased awareness of robotics and greater comfort in using this technology, suggesting that enhancing knowledge could significantly improve comfort levels and adoption rates among healthcare professionals. These findings underscore a generational shift towards embracing advanced technologies and emphasize the need for targeted training programs and strategic policy development to facilitate the adoption of robotics, aiming to make healthcare services in Kerala more precise, efficient, and cost-effective.