The far-reaching impact of robotic-assisted surgery on healthcare systems

The use of Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) in Canada continues to grow and evolve, demonstrating improvements in patient and clinical outcomes across a wide range of surgical procedures. Global studies show how implementing a RAS program can also increase hospital capacity, drive benefits in health human resources, and improve overall health system efficiency. Despite the evidence of these positive results, Canada lags behind other developed nations in adopting RAS. Drawing on the experience of surgeons and health leaders from across Canada, this article focuses on the benefits of adopting RAS and discusses the challenges organizations face in successfully funding and implementing RAS programs. This includes the innovative approaches health leaders are taking to support equitable access to RAS for patients and offers evidence-informed strategies that can help unlock the full potential of RAS—beyond the operating room—to improve overall quality of care and the sustainability of the Canadian healthcare system.