Developing a comprehensive, proficiency-based training program for robotic surgery
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Updated: May 19, 2026
Emergency Undocking in Robotic Surgery: A Simulation Curriculum
Published on: May 20, 2018
Genevieve Dulan1, Robert V Rege, Deborah C Hogg
1University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9156, USA.
Introduction:
Robotically assisted surgery has become very popular for numerous surgical disciplines, yet training practices remain variable with little to no validation. The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive, proficiency-based robotic training program.
Methods:
A skill deconstruction list was generated by observation of robotic operations and interviews with experts. Available resources were used, and other components were developed as needed to develop a comprehensive, proficiency-based curriculum to teach all deconstructed skills. Preliminary construct and content validity and curriculum feasibility were evaluated.
Results:
The skill deconstruction list contained 23 items. Curricular components included an online tutorial, a half-day interactive session, and 9 inanimate exercises with objective metrics. Novice (546 ± 26) and expert (923 ± 60) inanimate composite scores were different (P < .001), supporting construct validity, and substantial pre-test to post-test improvement was noted after successful training completion. All 23 deconstructed skills were rated as highly relevant (4.9 ± 0.5; 5-point scale), and no skills were absent from the curriculum, supporting content validity.
Conclusion:
These data suggest that this proficiency-based training curriculum comprehensively addresses the skills necessary to perform robotic operations with early construct and content validity and feasibility demonstrated. Further validation is encouraged.
