Robotics training program: evaluation of the satisfaction and the factors that influence success of skills training in a resident robotics curriculum.
PURPOSE We present our experience of training residents in a weekend robotic training program to assess its effectiveness and perceived usefulness. METHODS Bimonthly training sessions were arranged such that residents could sign up for hour long, weekend training sessions. They are required to complete four training sessions. Five tasks were scored for time and accuracy: Peg Board, checkerboard, string running, pattern cutting, and suturing. Participants completed surveys (5 point Likert scale) regarding program utility, ease of attendance, and interest in future weekend training sessions. RESULTS Mean number of trials completed by 19 residents was >4, and 16 completed the trials within an average of 13.7+ 8.1 mos. Significant improvements (P<0.05) were seen in final trials for Peg Board accuracy (95.8% vs 79.0% checkerboard deviation (4.8% vs 18.2% and time (293 s vs 404 s) pattern cutting time (257 s vs 399 s) and suture time (203 s vs 305 s) Time to previous session correlated with relative improvement in Peg Board and pattern cutting time (r=0.300 and 0.277, P=0.021 and 0.041) but no specific training interval was predictive of improvement. Residents found the course easy to attend (3.6) noted skills improvement (4.1) and found it useful (4.0) CONCLUSION Training in the weekend sessions improved performance of basic tasks on the robot. Training interval had a modest effect on some exercises and may be more important for difficult tasks. This training program is a useful supplement to resident training and would be easy to implement in most programs.
Journal of endourology