Robotic-Assisted Surgery Training (RAST): Assessment of Surgeon Console Ergonomic Skills.

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Robotic Surgery
• Ergonomics

Background:

• Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is increasingly utilized in general surgery.
• Optimizing surgeon console ergonomics is crucial for effective RAS training.
• Postgraduate Year (PGY) residents require tailored training to adapt to new surgical technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the responsiveness of general surgery residents (GSRs) to surgeon console ergonomics.
• To assess the impact of ergonomic training on performance and efficiency in robotic-assisted surgery training (RAST).
• To determine if responsiveness to ergonomic training varies across different PGY levels.

Main Methods:

• A prospective educational study involving 22 GSRs across PGY 1-5.
• Residents received pretraining videos and one-on-one hands-on training on the Da Vinci Xi system.
• Nine proficiency criteria were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale, with responsiveness defined as performance change over time. The Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) inventory was administered.

Main Results:

• Hands-on console time significantly decreased from baseline (39.0 min) to testing (20.1 min), a 51% reduction.
• No significant differences in mean hands-on testing scores were observed among PGY levels (p=0.095).
• The overall DREEM score was high (167.1 ± 16.9), indicating a positive perception of the educational environment.

Conclusions:

• Ergonomic training on the surgeon console effectively improved GSRs' responsiveness and efficiency in RAS.
• The training program demonstrated consistent effectiveness across all PGY levels, with no significant performance disparities.
• GSRs reported a highly positive educational environment, suggesting successful integration of ergonomic principles into the RAST program.