Fellow perceptions of robotic surgery preparedness for fellowship

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Robotic surgery is increasingly integrated into surgical fellowship programs.
• However, robotic training during surgical residency varies significantly.
• This variability impacts fellows' preparedness for robotic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the utility of standardized robotic skills assessment for fellows at the commencement of their training.
• To explore fellows' attitudes towards standardized robotic curricula and assessments.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to fellows in accredited Thoracic, Colorectal, HPB, and Advanced GI/MIS/Bariatrics/Foregut Fellowship programs.
• Data collected included prior robotic exposure, self-assessed skills, and opinions on standardized training and assessment.
• Partnership with the Fellowship Council facilitated survey distribution.

Main Results:

• 78 fellows responded, reporting an average of 38.1% of fellowship cases were robotic.
• 46% of residents had no robotic curriculum, and 86.9% desired one.
• 31% felt adequately skilled, while 24.4% disagreed; 71.5% lacked formal skills assessment in fellowship.
• 73.3% believed a formal proficiency assessment would aid individualized training.

Conclusions:

• A standardized robotic curriculum during residency is recommended due to inconsistent exposure.
• Implementing robotic skills assessments at fellowship entry can personalize training and enhance surgical proficiency.