SP11.3 Utilising an Accelerated Delphi Process to Develop Consensus on The Requirement and Components of a Pre-procedural Core Robotic Surgery Curriculum Free

Robot-assisted Surgery (RAS) continues to grow globally. Despite this, in the UK and Ireland, it is estimated that over 70% of surgical trainees across all specialities have no access to robot-assisted surgical training (RAST). This study aimed to provide educational bodies guidance on a pre-procedural core robotic surgery curriculum (PPCRC) from the perspective of the end user; the surgical trainee.

The study was conducted in four Phases: P1: A steering group was formed and a systematic review conducted P2: Pan-Specialty Trainee Panel Virtual Classroom Discussion, P3: Accelerated Delphi Process and P4: Formulation of Recommendations. Forty-three surgeons in training representing all surgical specialties and training levels contributed to a three-round Delphi process. Additions to the second- and third-round surveys were formulated based on the answers and comments from previous rounds. Consensus opinion was defined as ≥80% agreement.

There was 100% response from all three rounds. The formulated guidance showed good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha >0.8). There was 97.7% agreement that a standardised PPCRC would be advantageous to training and that, independent of speciality, there should be a common approach (95.5% agreement). Consensus was reached in multiple areas: 1. Experience and Exposure, 2. Access and context, 3. Curriculum Components, 4 Target Groups and Delivery, 5. Objective Metrics, Benchmarking and Assessment.

Using the Delphi methodology, multispecialty consensus among trainees to develop and reach content validation for the requirements and components of a PPCRC in the UK and Ireland was achieved. This guidance will benefit from further validation following implementation.