The Importance of Feedback in Proctoring in Robotic Surgery - a Cornerstone of the Concept of Success?

Abstract

Robot-assisted surgical methods are a development and supplement to conventional laparoscopy. Thus, appropriate training of surgeons in this specialty is indispensable. Especially for the initial phase, simulation programs - similar to those used in aviation - are ideally suited to introduce surgeons to the technically challenging surgical procedure. Later on, but still at the beginning of the learning curve, proctoring has proven its worth in order to allow the surgeon to be trained on site, to train him individually and to introduce him to more complex cases. An essential component of successful training concepts is the feedback: after some time and in written form, the surgeon to be trained receives a summary or a guideline, which describes the existing situation as well as suggestions for improvement and future potential. The implementation of such feedback allows the surgeon, in addition to the number of cases completed, to put his self-assessment into perspective and adjust development goals. Thus, feedback is the crucial interface between the beginning of a learning curve and advanced surgical skills, including the possibility of realistic self-assessment.