Is cross-platform training here? A review of robotic surgery curricula

Robotic surgery now involves more robots of different 'types'. Training so far has been type-specific and delivered by the manufacturer. From this context emerges the need for robotic training earlier in a surgical career with content that includes cross-platform generic principles. This timely review determines the extent to which these needs are being met.

A systematic search identified studies on curricula for surgeons in training.

Of 79 studies, 25 were included, involving basic skills (6 studies), general surgery (12 studies), gynaecology (4 studies), urology (1 study), and Trans-Oral-Robotic-Surgery (2 studies). Studies varied in size (4-70 participants), were largely observational, based in high-income countries, and used da Vinci. Teaching methods varied. Basic robotic and device training used virtual reality (VR), inanimate models, and team training. Procedural training involved synthetic models, surgical videos and robotic access in the operating room. Outcome measures included reactions, technical skills measurement, comparison to expert performance, and real-world activity (e.g., participation in robotic surgery, robotic certification).

This review captures the cumulative nature of surgical education. The sequence involves simulation, real-world participation, metric benchmarks, certification, and service delivery. No study here captured all steps. Studies were small, predominantly from the US, on one robot type, and resource-intensive. This restricts generalisability. A global solution to robotic training should be scalable, of high educational value yet lean on resources, and cover the commonality across robot types. Training embedded in real-world service delivery is sustainable and would also facilitate training transition from industry to institution, towards a cross-platform curriculum.