Implementation of simulation-based emergency robotic undocking protocol training

Area of Science:

• Robotic surgery
• Surgical training
• Patient safety

Background:

• Robotic surgery is expanding, but standardized training for emergency robotic undocking protocols (ERUP) is limited.
• Evidence for structured ERUP education for surgical teams is sparse.
• This study addresses the need for improved preparedness in intraoperative emergencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a modifiable, interprofessional ERUP training program.
• To enhance the preparedness of surgical teams for intraoperative emergencies.
• To assess the impact of simulation-based training on ERUP performance.

Main Methods:

• Prospective blinded observational study involving simulation-based ERUP training.
• Participants included surgeons, circulator nurses, and scrub technicians.
• Training was developed from published protocols and institutional expert input.

Main Results:

• Thirty participants (12 surgeons, 9 nurses, 9 technicians) completed the training.
• Post-training, confidence and knowledge significantly improved.
• Estimated blood loss and task completion time decreased after training.

Conclusions:

• Emergency robotic undocking, though rare, is a critical event.
• Simulation-based ERUP training enhances team readiness, communication, and technical performance.
• This training is vital for improving patient safety during robotic surgery emergencies.