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[Robot-assisted surgery as an elective-fascinating lesson(s)?]
Philip Zeuschner1, Philippe Becker2, Julia Heinzelbecker2
1Klinik für Urologie und Kinderurologie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Kirrberger Straße 100, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Deutschland. philip.zeuschner@uks.eu.
Der Urologe. Ausg. A
|January 17, 2022
Summary
Undergraduate medical students showed significant knowledge and skill improvement in robot-assisted surgery after an elective course. This innovative training also increased interest in pursuing urology careers.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Technology
- Urology
Background:
- Robot-assisted surgery is a standard in practice but underrepresented in medical curricula.
- There is a need to integrate surgical technology training for future surgeons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present findings from Germany's first elective course on robot-assisted surgery for undergraduate medical students.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the elective in enhancing knowledge and skills.
Main Methods:
- Ten final-year undergraduates participated in a six-lesson elective.
- Training included theoretical basics, practical skills on a robotic simulator, and live surgery observation.
- Knowledge and skills were assessed using multiple-choice questions and practical exercises.
Main Results:
- Participants demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge (p=0.011).
- Practical skills improved significantly in two of three exercises (p<0.05).
- The elective received excellent evaluations and significantly increased participants' interest in urology (p=0.007).
Conclusions:
- Undergraduate medical students have a strong interest in robot-assisted surgery.
- Elective courses are effective for teaching robotic surgery theory and practice.
- Such electives can attract future surgeons to urology.
