Perspectives on robotic HPB training in the UK: a survey analysis

Abstract

Background: We Published a step-up approach for robotic training in hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery has been previously. The approach was mostly based on personal experience and communications between experts and needed appraisal and validation by the HPB surgical community. At the Great Britain and Ireland HPB Association (GBIHPBA) robotic HPB meeting held in Coventry, UK in October 2022, the authors sought consensus from the live audience, with an open forum for answering key questions. The aim of this exercise was to appraise the step-up approach, and in turn, lay the foundation for a more substantial UK robotic HPB surgical curriculum.

Methods: The study was conducted using VEVOX online polling platform at the October 2022 GBIHPBA robotic HPB meeting in Coventry, UK. The questionnaire was designed based on a literature search and was externally validated. The data were collated and analysed to assess patterns of response.

Results: A median (IQR) of 104 (96-117) responses were generated for each question. 93 consultants and 61 trainees were present Over 90% were in favour of a standardised training pathway. 93.6% were in favour of the proposed step-up approach, with a significant number (67.3%; p < 0.001) considering three levels of case complexity.

Conclusion: The survey shows a favourable outlook on adopting step-up training in robotic HPB surgery. Ongoing monitoring of progress, clinical outcomes, and collaboration among surgeons and units will bolster this evidence, potentially leading to an official UK robotic HPB curriculum.