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Multicenter Study
. 2025 Jul 15;19(1):392.
doi: 10.1007/s11701-025-02527-7.

Exploring needs, prevalence and experience with robotic-assisted surgery training among residents: a mixed method study

M Marije Zwakman  1 , M Miranda Trippenzee  2 , J F M Johan Lange  3 , J P E N Jean-Pierre Pierie  4   5 , E C J Esther Consten  3
Affiliations
Multicenter Study

Exploring needs, prevalence and experience with robotic-assisted surgery training among residents: a mixed method study

M Marije Zwakman et al. J Robot Surg. .

Abstract

Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is increasingly used in clinical practice, but training opportunities for residents vary widely. This multicenter, mixed-methods study assessed Dutch residents' exposure to RAS, identified their training needs, and explored their perspectives on the future of RAS through a survey (n = 148) and groups interviews (n = 20). Informed consent was obtained. While 69.6% of the residents had RAS experience, only 14.2% had operated as console surgeon. Despite robots being available in 75.7% of hospitals, hands-on training remained limited. Most residents (77.7%) expressed interest in a national RAS curriculum. Qualitative data revealed four major themes: needs and experiences, training requirements, the role of the OR team and industry, and assessment and feedback, with residents advocating for early exposure and holistic feedback. There is a clear need for a formalized RAS training program. Future research should focus on structured curricula, tailored to resident needs, including possible barriers and facilitators.

Keywords: Mixed methods research; Needs assessment; Residency training; Robotic assisted surgery; Surgical education.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflict of interest: Author E.C.J. (Esther) Consten receives fees from Intuitive Surgical as a proctor for robotic-assisted surgeries. This source had no role in the design of the study, data collection, analysis, interpretation of data, and in writing the manuscript. Ethical approval: Ethical approval was not required as the study involved voluntary participation without patient data. Informed consent: All participants provided written informed consent before taking part in the study. Permission to reproduce material from other sources and clinical trial registration are not applicable to this study.

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