Current Barriers in Robotic Surgery Training for General Surgery Residents

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Robotic surgery is increasingly prevalent in general surgery.
• Effective training for residents in robotic surgery is crucial for future adoption.
• Current training methods may not adequately prepare residents for robotic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and assess the primary barriers encountered by general surgery residents during robotic surgery training.
• To evaluate resident satisfaction and future practice intentions regarding robotic surgery.
• To determine factors that enhance or impede robotic surgery training experiences.

Main Methods:

• A multi-institutional web-based survey was distributed to general surgery residents at academic medical centers.
• Participants included residents at a Post-Graduate Year 3 (PGY-3) or higher training level.
• The survey collected data on training experiences, role in robotic cases, satisfaction, and perceived barriers.

Main Results:

• A significant portion of residents (43%) expressed dissatisfaction with their robotic surgery experience.
• Many residents (62.5%) do not plan to integrate robotic surgery into their future practice.
• Key barriers identified include lack of effective operating room teaching, limited clinical experience, and inadequate simulated training.

Conclusions:

• Barriers to effective robotic surgery training for general surgery residents include insufficient operating room teaching, limited clinical and simulated experience.
• Dual consoles and the presence of first assistants positively impact resident training.
• Lack of attending surgeon experience negatively affects resident console time; faculty development is recommended.