Exploring ethical consent for robot-assisted surgeries
Official title: Ethical Approaches to Informed Consent for Autonomous Robotic Assisted Surgery
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11016662 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using robots in surgery affects patient care and what that means for getting your consent, so we can make sure everyone understands and feels comfortable with these new technologies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $453,143 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB036443-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11016662 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients who are considering or undergoing robotic-assisted surgeries and are 21 years or older.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgical procedures or those who are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the ethical implications of using autonomous robotic systems in surgeries, particularly focusing on how these systems make critical decisions that affect patient care. It aims to develop new guidelines for informed consent that address the unique challenges posed by robotic assistance in surgery, including changes in the surgeon's role and the need for transparency about data privacy. The project will involve discussions with patients and healthcare professionals to ensure that consent processes remain human-centered and ethically sound as technology evolves.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved patient understanding and trust in robotic-assisted surgeries, ensuring that patients are adequately informed about the role of AI in their care.
How similar studies have gone: While the ethical implications of robotic surgery are being discussed, this research is pioneering in its specific focus on informed consent for autonomous robotic systems.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Jie Ying — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Wu, Jie Ying
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.