Table 1.

Example theories presented as CMO configurations, with data to support testing

Context	+	Mechanism	=	Outcome pattern	Data
Experienced teams	+	Knowledge of how to overcome difficulties in set-up and positioning of the robot	=	Easier access to patient; Reduced operation duration; Reduced conversion to open surgery/complications	Video recordings, operation duration, interviews
Whole OT team involved in implementation	+	OT team perceive benefits for patients	=	Increased motivation among team members to work together to develop solutions to problems	Video recordings, OTAS, interviews
Physical separation between surgeon and OT team	+	OT team less aware of surgeon’s actions	=	Reduced coordination; Increased operation duration	OTAS, video recordings, operation duration
Dedicated robotic teams	+	Develop strategies to deal with physical separation	=	Effective coordination, teamwork, communication; Reduced operation duration	OTAS, video recordings, operation duration
Surgical trainee as part of team	+	Physical separation and different views of operative field makes it harder for surgeon to explain what is happening and monitor trainee’s understanding	=	Reduced satisfaction amongst surgeon and trainee in robotic surgery as opportunity for training	Video recordings, interviews
More experienced teams	+	Understand need to support surgeon’s situation awareness	=	Increased verbal communication of patient state to surgeon; Increased situation awareness of surgeon	Video recordings, OTAS