Development of a Robotic Training Curriculum for Visceral and Gastrointestinal Surgical Trainees: An International Delphi Study

Background The rapid adoption of robotic surgical systems globally has created a critical gap in training, assessment and certification for visceral and gastrointestinal (GI) surgical trainees. This study, led by the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), aimed to achieve an international consensus on a structured, platform-agnostic robotic training curriculum for GI surgical trainees.

Methods A 106-item Delphi questionnaire was developed with an international committee of surgical experts, trainees, methodologists and patient representatives. It was disseminated to a multidisciplinary panel of 83 GI robotic surgeons, trainees, human factors experts, robotic theatre team members and industry providers. Two Delphi survey rounds were conducted, with a priori consensus standard set at 70% or higher for agreement. A consensus meeting was subsequently held to discuss and finalise the items needed for a robotic training curriculum for GI surgical trainees.

Results Seventy-one (86%) participants from 15 countries completed round 1. A total of 82 items (77%) reached consensus and 32 new items were generated from free-text comments. Seventy of these participants (99%) completed the 56-item round 2 questionnaire, with 36 items (64%) reaching consensus and 5 new items generated. All 143 statements were discussed in the meeting and consensus was reached in the following areas: (i) key knowledge requirements of the bedside assistant and a console surgeon; (ii) training components; (iii) performance assessment and (iv) certification and supervision.

Conclusions International surgical experts, trainees and other key stakeholders reached consensus on the critical components of a platform-agnostic robotic training curriculum for GI surgical trainees. This will help shape the future of robotic surgical education and certification, promote standardised training practices and ultimately benefit patient safety and outcomes.