Implementation and evaluation of a novel subspecialty society fellows robotic surgical course: the SGO minimally invasive academy surgical curriculum

Objective: To evaluate the utility of a society-based robotic surgery training program for fellows in gynecologic oncology. Methods: All participants underwent a 2-day robotic surgery training course between 2015-2017. The course included interactive didactic sessions with video, dry labs, and robotic cadaver labs. The labs encompassed a wide range of subject matter including troubleshooting, instrument variation, radical hysterectomies, and lymph node dissections. Participants completed a pre- and post-course survey using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from not confident to extremely confident on various measures. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics v. 24. Results: The response rate was high with 86% of the 70 participants completing the survey. Sixteen (26.7%) of these individuals were attending physicians and 44 (73.3%) were fellows. In general, there was a significant increase in confidence in more complex procedures and concepts such as radical hysterectomy (p=0.01), lymph node dissection (p=0.01), troubleshooting (p=0.001), and managing complications (p=0.004). Faculty comfort and practice patterns were cited as the primary reason (58.9%) for limitations during robotic procedures followed secondarily by surgical resources (34.0%). Conclusion: In both gynecologic oncology fellows and attendings, this educational theory-based curriculum significantly improved confidence in the majority of procedures and concepts taught, emphasizing the value of hands-on skill labs.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a robotic surgery training program for fellows in gynecologic oncology. Participants showed a significant increase in confidence in complex procedures and concepts such as radical hysterectomy, lymph node dissection, troubleshooting, and managing complications after completing the training course. Faculty comfort and practice patterns were identified as primary reasons for limitations during robotic procedures.