This study aims to systematically assess the public's and clinicians' levels of awareness, attitudes, risk perception, acceptance, and potential concerns regarding robotic surgery and telesurgery. It also analyzes the key factors influencing their attitudes and explores the needs of physicians regarding training systems for robotic and telesurgery, as well as the factors affecting their preparedness.

Public level:

• Level of awareness and understanding of robotic and remote surgery (e.g., understanding of operating procedures, the doctor's role, and potential risks).
• Perceptions and concerns regarding the safety, reliability, cybersecurity risks, and equipment malfunctions of the technology.
• Trust and acceptance of the technology, and factors that may influence attitudes (e.g., education level, past medical experiences, access to medical resources).
• Overall expectations and concerns regarding hospitals performing such surgeries.

Healthcare practitioners level:

• Knowledge level, attitudes, and acceptance of robotic and remote surgery.
• Views on the learning curve, surgical safety, equipment accessibility, collaborative processes, and potential obstacles.
• Understanding and actual needs regarding training systems for robotic and remote surgery, including simulator training, mentorship programs, skill evaluation methods, and the transfer of laparoscopic skills to robotic skills.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Chinese citizens aged 18 years or older
• Able to understand and complete the questionnaire
• Voluntarily participating in this study and providing informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Aged below 18 years
• Unable to understand the questionnaire or unable to complete the questionnaire independently
• Those who submit the questionnaire repeatedly

The general public sample included residents of mainland China aged 18 and older who were able to understand and complete the questionnaire, regardless of gender, region, or occupation. The aim was to assess the general public's awareness, risk perception, trust, and acceptance of robotic surgery and remote surgery. The clinical physician sample included practicing physicians from surgical specialties (such as general surgery, urology, gynecology, thoracic surgery, thyroid surgery, etc.), including residents, attending physicians, and chief/deputy chief physicians of different seniority levels.

Data are available on request due to privacy or other restrictions. The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from Ling Zhan. The data are not publicly available due to them containing information that could compromise research participant privacy.