A systematic review of general surgery robotic training curriculums

BACKGROUND: As of the most recent surveys of resident programs in 2018, only slightly more than half of programs have formal robotic training curriculums implemented. Fewer programs have further assessed their own curriculum and its benefit. METHOD: We conducted a PubMed/MEDLINE literature search for robotic surgery curriculums and those that had assessment of their programs. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies were reviewed. When reviewed in chronological order, there has been a progression towards more robotic specific objective data analysis as opposed to subjective surveying. There is a wide variation in curriculums, but simulation use is pervasive. CONCLUSIONS: Our review makes evident two important concepts-there is great variety in training curriculums and there is great benefit in implementation. The importance is in establishment of what makes resident training effective and supports the adaptable and successful surgeon. This may come from an adaptable curriculum but a structured test-out assessment.