ACPGBI position statement on robotic-assisted colorectal surgical training.

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• Medical Education

Background:

• Robotic-assisted colorectal surgery (RACS) adoption has surged in the UK and Ireland over the past five years.
• The National Health Service is increasingly committed to integrating robotic surgery into standard practice.
• There is a growing need for structured training frameworks to support the transition to RACS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the need for a structured training framework for robotic-assisted colorectal surgery.
• To outline a plan for supporting RACS training at basic, advanced, and trainer levels.
• To ensure equitable access to robotic surgery training and address its impact on surgical trainees.

Main Methods:

• Development of a training framework in collaboration with surgical Royal Colleges.
• Establishment of guidelines by the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI).
• Focus on addressing inequalities in robotic access and trainee impact.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive framework for RACS training has been proposed by the ACPGBI.
• The framework aims to support surgeons at all training levels.
• Emphasis on creating safer, better-trained robotic surgeons.

Conclusions:

• Standardized training is crucial for the successful integration of RACS.
• The ACPGBI framework aims to enhance surgical training and patient care in robotic colorectal surgery.
• Addressing training inequalities and trainee impact is vital for the future of RACS.