Robotic surgery basic skills training: Evaluation of a pilot multidisciplinary simulation-based curriculum

Authors

  • Kirsten Foell University of Toronto
  • Antonio Finelli University of Toronto
  • Kazuhiro Yasufuku University of Toronto
  • Marcus Q. Bernardini University of Toronto
  • Thomas K Waddell University of Toronto
  • Kenneth T Pace University of Toronto
  • R John D'A Honey University of Toronto
  • Jason Y Lee University of Toronto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.222

Keywords:

Robotics, Surgical training, Simulation, Interdisciplinary studies, Competency-based education

Abstract

Purpose: Simulation-based training improves clinical skills, while minimizing the impact of the educational process on patient care. We present results of a pilot multidisciplinary, simulation-based robotic surgery basic skills training curriculum (BSTC) for robotic novices.

Methods: A 4-week, simulation-based, robotic surgery BSTC was offered to the Departments of Surgery and Obstetrics & Gynecology (ObGyn) at the University of Toronto. The course consisted of various instructional strategies: didactic lecture, self-directed online training modules, introductory hands-on training with the da Vinci robot (dVR) (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA), and dedicated training on the da Vinci Skills Simulator (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) (dVSS). A third of trainees participated in competency-based dVSS training, all others engaged in traditional time-based training. Pre- and post-course skill testing was conducted on the dVR using 2 standardized skill tasks: ring transfer (RT) and needle passing (NP). Retention of skills was assessed at 5 months post-BSTC.

Results: A total of 37 participants completed training. The mean task completion time and number of errors improved significantly post-course on both RT (180.6 vs. 107.4 sec, p < 0.01 and 3.5 vs. 1.3 sec, p < 0.01, respectively) and NP (197.1 vs. 154.1 sec, p < 0.01 and 4.5 vs. 1.8 sec, p = 0.04, respectively) tasks. No significant difference in performance was seen between specialties. Competency-based training was associated with significantly better post-course performance. The dVSS demonstrated excellent face validity.

Conclusions: The implementation of a pilot multidisciplinary, simulation-based robotic surgery BSTC revealed significantly improved basic robotic skills among novice trainees, regardless of specialty or level of training. Competency-based training was associated with significantly better acquisition of basic robotic skills.

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Author Biographies

Kirsten Foell, University of Toronto

Division of Urology, Department of Surgery

Endourology Fellow

Antonio Finelli, University of Toronto

Division of Urology, Department of Surgery

Urooncologist

Kazuhiro Yasufuku, University of Toronto

Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery

Thoracic Surgeon

Marcus Q. Bernardini, University of Toronto

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Gynecologist

Thomas K Waddell, University of Toronto

Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery

Thoracic Surgeon

Kenneth T Pace, University of Toronto

Division of Urology, Department of Surgery

Endourologist

R John D'A Honey, University of Toronto

Division of Urology, Department of Surgery

Jason Y Lee, University of Toronto

Division of Urology, Department of Surgery

Endourology

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Published

2013-12-05

How to Cite

Foell, K., Finelli, A., Yasufuku, K., Bernardini, M. Q., Waddell, T. K., Pace, K. T., Honey, R. J. D., & Lee, J. Y. (2013). Robotic surgery basic skills training: Evaluation of a pilot multidisciplinary simulation-based curriculum. Canadian Urological Association Journal, 7(11-12), 430–4. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.222

Issue

Section

Original Research