Mastery-Based Virtual Reality Robotic Simulation Curriculum: The First Step Toward Operative Robotic Proficiency

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Robotic Surgery Simulation
• Virtual Reality in Medicine

Background:

• Hepatobiliary surgery demands extensive training due to its complexity and low-volume nature.
• Achieving surgical proficiency in this field presents significant training and assessment challenges.
• Virtual reality (VR) simulation offers a potential solution for standardized surgical training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the content and predictive validity of a VR simulation curriculum for robotic hepatobiliary surgery.
• To determine if a mastery-based VR curriculum can train fellows toward operative proficiency.
• To establish a foundation for a comprehensive, proficiency-based surgical training pathway.

Main Methods:

• A mastery-based VR simulation curriculum was implemented.
• A pretest/posttest design assessed skill improvement using VR and inanimate models.
• Seventeen surgical oncology fellows participated, with 16 completing the curriculum.

Main Results:

• Overall test scores significantly improved after curriculum completion (p < 0.0001).
• Fifteen fellows (94%) reported improved robotic skills, with an average mastery of 86% of modules.
• The curriculum completion time was manageable (median 4.2 hours), and 50% of fellows continued practicing beyond mastery.

Conclusions:

• A mastery-based VR simulation curriculum demonstrated internal validity for novice robotic surgeons.
• The VR curriculum is a valid tool for improving surgical proficiency in robotic hepatobiliary procedures.
• The training pathway is feasible, with manageable time commitment and perceived skill enhancement.