[Is the application of digital technologies the game changer for surgical training of the future? A Germany-wide...

The use of digital technologies is becoming increasingly important in medicine and is having a significant impact on developments in the surgical field. However, there is a great need to improve and implement those new techniques in surgical education and training in order to adequately prepare young surgeons for associated challenges.

The aim of this study is to analyze the importance, use, and influence of digital technology on the success of future surgical training in Germany.

An online survey was conducted from April-September 2024 with a total of 12 open (n = 2) and standardized (n = 10) questions. The closed questions could be answered on a Likert scale from 1 (strongly agree) to 5 (strongly disagree). The questionnaire was sent out via the email distribution list of the German Society of Surgery and its social media channels.

A total of 97 response datasets were analyzed. At the time of analysis, the majority of participants were working in general surgery (n = 54, 64%) and at a nonuniversity clinic (n = 49, 58%). In all, 19% of the respondents were residents. When choosing their current workplace, 44% prioritized advanced digitalization, while 61% stated that they had not yet used generative AI at all. Only 9% of trainees had access to curricular training on robotic systems. A change to a location with more advanced medical technology was considered by 19%. While 26% of study participants would consider being operated on by an AI-assisted robotic system, 46% of the participants could imagine using this technology on their patients.

This analysis provides insight into the importance and use of digital technology in surgery in Germany. In particular, it reveals deficits in the use of AI-based methods, comprehensive provision of digital technologies, and the access of trainees to innovative training. The results also confirm the need to further raise awareness of the topic.