Resident attitudes and compliance towards robotic surgical training

Abstract

BackgroundAdoption of robotics in general surgery has expanded but there is no mandatory national standardized curriculum for general surgery residents (GSR). MethodsA survey was administered to all GSRs in 2014 addressing future practice and robotic experience. A non-mandatory robotic curriculum was available for residents to train. Compliance was assessed. In 2016, the same survey was re-administered. Barriers to completing the curriculum were identified. ResultsInterest in improving robotic skills remained high (2014 = 97.8% vs 2016 = 95.9%, p = 0.608), and the majority planned to incorporate robotics into future practice (77.8% vs 69.4%; p = 0.358). Only 11 residents (18%) voluntarily completed the curriculum while 36 (60%) started but did not complete. A trend toward increased procedure participation was seen (60.0%–77.6%, p = 0.066). The perceived barriers to completion of the curriculum were length of time required (80%) and lack of access to a simulator (60%). ConclusionsA structured robotic training curriculum that is non-mandatory is insufficient in helping residents gain fundamental robotic skills.