Abstract: PD41-02
Sources of Funding: none

Introduction

Robotic training is fundamental to improve surgical outcomes. Although the robotic mentor is usually selected as a surgeon with extensive experience in robotic surgery, the specific criteria for selecting trainers are poorly defined. We developed the novel "Train The Trainer" course aimed at standardizing robotic surgical training through the assessment of trainers, proctors, and mentors performance

Methods

"Train The Trainer" was a 2-day course endorsed by EAU Robotic Urology Section (ERUS) and directed to experts in robotic surgery who aim to be certified trainers. The course included a theoretical and a practical part. During the theoretical part, the participants had on overview on training models, and defined presentations on non-technical skills were held by experts in this field. During the practical part, both technical and non-technical skills of the participants were evaluated. Technical skills were tested using DaVinci skill simulator (dVSS) and dry-lab anastomosis. Specifically, participants were asked to achieve at least 80% overall score at three different advanced exercises on the dVSS, whereas dry-lab anastomosis was assessed using the Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) score. Non-technical skills were evaluated during a simulated training session, where each participant was asked to train (on the dVSS and during dry-lab suture exercises) two medical students who did not have any previous experience with the robotic system. The objective for the medical students was an overall score on the dVSS ≥70% at three different basic exercises and a GEARS score during dry-lab ≥16. The simulated training sessions were video recorded. Non-technical skills were evaluated using the validated Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) score

Results

The first "Train The Trainer" course included 14 participants aiming at becoming certified robotic trainers. Median participant age was 39 years. Overall, 13 (93%) of them showed the requested technical skills that consisted of overall score at dVSS ≥80% and GEARS score ≥24 during dry-lab anastomosis. One participant did not show the requested non-technical skills (NOTSS score <12). Therefore, 12 out 14 (86%) participants showed the requested characteristics to become a certified trainer in robotics

Conclusions

We developed the first robotic course dedicated to trainers, proctors, and mentors. Overall, 86% of the participants achieved the requested technical and non-technical skills. The future validation of this "Train The Trainer" course is mandatory for certified training and improved standardization

Funding

none