Need for formalized robotic training and curriculum in obstetrics and gynecology residency: an examination of current resident outlooks and perspectives

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to evaluate current robotic surgery training methodologies for ACGME-accredited obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) residency programs, better understand current resident perspectives, and explore potential areas for improvement within resident education. A cross-sectional study was done of ACGME-accredited OB/GYN residents in the 2023–2024 academic year. The study was done on a national setting via web-based survey. 75 surveys were included. The study was conducted via a 33-question survey study using a mixture of multiple choice, multiple answer, and Likert scale questions. Participants noted that 98.7% of their institutions perform robotic surgery and 90.7% have access to robotic console trainers. Outside of the operating room, slightly more than half of participants (57.3%) have formalized robotics training curriculums. A variety of training modalities were noted to be utilized by residents with the most helpful being hands-on training (67.7%) followed by dual-assist console (45.6%). The least helpful was noted to be online modules (58.7%). Most residents either strongly agree (45.3%) or agree (36.0%) that standardized robotics curriculums should be implemented for all OB/GYN residency programs. The largest barriers to completion of this training were noted to be attending comfort with resident participation in the case (74.0%), personal time (58.9%), and availability or access to trainers (42.5%). A formalized and standardized robotic training curriculum should be considered for OB/GYN residents with a multi-modal model utilizing a combination of training modalities as well as dedicated didactic hours.