Fundamentals of Robotic Surgery: Outcomes Measures and Curriculum Development

Background. The growth of the use of robotic assistance in minimally invasive surgery has created a need for standardized curriculum for training and certifying surgeons in the specialized skills necessary to use these devices successfully. Methods. To standardize the curriculum and certification of robotic surgeons, a series of consensus conferences have been used to compile the outcomes measures and curriculum that should form the basis for a Fundamentals of Robotic Surgery (FRS) program. Results. This has resulted in the definition of 25 specific outcomes measures and the creation of curriculum for teaching those via didactic lecture, psychomotor skills labs, and team training activities. This work has been supported and/or reviewed by representatives of the leading surgical societies that are involved in the use of robotic surgery. Conclusions. The participation by expert robotic surgeons and the support of leading surgical societies has led to the initial definition of outcomes measures and a curriculum in robotic surgery which can become an accepted standard for training and certification. Background