Implementation of a standardized robotic assistant surgical training curriculum

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Medical Technology
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Robotic-assisted surgery is widely adopted across surgical sub-specialties.
• A lack of standardized training exists for robotic surgeons and teams in the U.S.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel, stepwise iterative curriculum for robotic bedside assistant training.
• To assess if the Robotic Assistant Surgical Training (RAST) curriculum enhances learner confidence and comfort.

Main Methods:

• A quality improvement initiative implemented the RAST curriculum.
• Thirteen voluntary participants underwent pre- and post-training surveys and between-stage assessments.
• The curriculum involved stepwise, iterative training away from the patient bedside.

Main Results:

• All participants reported statistically significant increases in confidence and comfort post-RAST training (p < 0.001).
• Significant improvements were noted between each training stage (p < 0.001).
• 100% of participants found RAST beneficial and recommended its standardization.

Conclusions:

• A standardized, stepwise iterative curriculum effectively increases robotic bedside assistant preparedness, comfort, and confidence.
• The RAST curriculum provides a safe and beneficial training method.
• Standardized onboarding training using RAST is recommended for all robotic bedside assistants.