A proposed ethical framework for informed consent in elective robotic telesurgery
This paper reviews published recommendations on informed consent for elective robotic telesurgery and proposes a comprehensive ethical framework. It introduces a structured disclosure approach combining implicit and explicit elements, and suggests a local and virtual interactive multi-stage consent process offered in an opt-out fashion to protect patient autonomy.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Surgeons, hospital administrators, and policymakers seeking guidance on ethical informed consent protocols for elective robotic telesurgery.
What the document contains
The document addresses the ethical, legal, and practical requirements for obtaining informed consent in elective robotic telesurgery, outlining implicit and explicit disclosure elements, surgeon accountability, and a multi-stage interactive consent process.
Specific legal enforcement mechanisms across international jurisdictions and standardized national credentialing policies for remote surgeons are not established within the text.
- Informed consent guidelines for clinical telesurgery remain sparse, requiring standard frameworks to be adapted globally.
- The proposed framework categorizes disclosure into implicit safety elements and explicit situational, surgeon-specific, and shared responsibility elements.
- A multi-stage local and virtual interactive consent process is recommended to mitigate patient vulnerability and conflicts of interest.
- Telesurgery must offer clear therapeutic benefits or clinical equipoise to justify increased risks compared to standard procedures.
· Abstract · Introduction · Methodology · Results · Discussion · Conclusion
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
4/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
Similarities and differences in IC processes, disclosure, documentation and apportionment of responsibility are outlined
Results
screening score · 2026-10-24
Fairness
2/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
The major advantage of telesurgery is its potential to address rural and global disparities in surgical access, and as such, an inherent skill differential exists between the local surgeon and remote telesurgeon.
Discussion
screening score · 2026-10-24
Human Dignity
2/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
Core values of honesty and transparency must guide telesurgeon innovators as they collect and report data, maintain professional relationships with industry, and report all relevant financial ties to their institution and patients.
Discussion
screening score · 2026-10-24
Human Oversight
3/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
All manuscripts discuss a telesurgical partnership between a local and remote surgeon for the direct benefit of the patient. Full telesurgery, during which a remote surgeon performs the procedure without a local surgeon and staff at the bedside, is not discussed in any of the articles.
Results
screening score · 2026-10-24
Privacy
2/5Protection of personal data and private life
Consent must be obtained in advance to share personal information with a remote team
Results
screening score · 2026-10-24
Transparency
4/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
A structured disclosure approach with key elements is outlined. Relevant terminology is defined, including implicit and explicit (situational, surgeon-specific and shared responsibility) disclosure elements.
Abstract
screening score · 2026-10-24
Enforcement
0/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
screening score · 2026-10-24
Impact Assessment
1/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
Ethics frameworks generally apply standard ethical concerns to a new innovation and consider how the innovation may evolve in the most responsible, moral fashion.
Introduction
screening score · 2026-10-24