Implementation and evaluation of a novel subspecialty society fellows robotic surgical course: the SGO minimally invasive academy surgical curriculum
- Author:
Teresa K.L. BOITANO
1
;
Haller J. SMITH
;
Joshua G. COHEN
;
Emma C. ROSSI
;
Kenneth H. KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2021;32(2):e26-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:To evaluate the utility of a society-based robotic surgery training program for fellows in gynecologic oncology.
Methods:All participants underwent a 2-day robotic surgery training course between 2015–2017. The course included interactive didactic sessions with video, dry labs, and robotic cadaver labs. The labs encompassed a wide range of subject matter including troubleshooting, instrument variation, radical hysterectomies, and lymph node dissections.Participants completed a pre- and post-course survey using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from “not confident” to “extremely confident” on various measures. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics v. 24.
Results:The response rate was high with 86% of the 70 participants completing the survey.Sixteen (26.7%) of these individuals were attending physicians and 44 (73.3%) were fellows.In general, there was a significant increase in confidence in more complex procedures and concepts such as radical hysterectomy (p=0.01), lymph node dissection (p=0.01), troubleshooting (p=0.001), and managing complications (p=0.004). Faculty comfort and practice patterns were cited as the primary reason (58.9%) for limitations during robotic procedures followed secondarily by surgical resources (34.0%).
Conclusion:In both gynecologic oncology fellows and attendings, this educational theorybased curriculum significantly improved confidence in the majority of procedures and concepts taught, emphasizing the value of hands-on skill labs.
