[The GeRMIQ-Curriculum: a Blueprint for a National Training Concept in Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery]

Minimally invasive (MIS) and robot-assisted surgery (RAS) have revolutionised surgical practice and place high demands on knowledge and technical skills as well as structured training concepts. Currently, there is no comprehensive curriculum in Germany, which leads to insufficient quality of training, with corresponding consequences.

The GeRMIQ curriculum (German Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery Qualification) was developed to close this gap and create a national, standardised, and forward-looking program for basic surgical training.

The12-month program is divided into two parallel strands, laparoscopy and robotics, and is based on a "proficiency-based progression" model. It comprises three central phases: a cloud-based theory section, step-by-step dry lab training, and a clinical phase. Before implementing GeRMIQ in a clinic, a needs and capacity analysis is carried out to evaluate site-specific requirements and draw up a plan. The theory phase teaches the basics of MIS and RAS. The dry lab phase focuses on technical skills, including exercises on realistic models. The clinical phase focuses on surgical assistance on the one hand and the performance of sub-steps and initial minor surgeries under supervision on the other, accompanied by assessments of the number of cases completed, surgical performance, and team competence. The curriculum is industry-neutral and uses standardised materials based on scientific evaluations and didactic requirements.

The GeRMIQ curriculum represents a much-needed solution for surgical training in MIS and RAS in Germany. It integrates proven and modern teaching methods and practical components, setting new national standards for comprehensive, standardised training. The introduction and future viability of the concept require constructive cooperation between all parties involved and the provision of the necessary resources.