Harji D P, Mohan H, Coates R, Miskovic D, Evans C, Davies R J, Torkington J, Khan J
Department of Colorectal Surgery, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
Clinical Trials Research Unit, Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
J Robot Surg. 2025 Jun 13;19(1):285. doi: 10.1007/s11701-025-02444-9.
The adoption of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) in colorectal procedures is growing rapidly, driven by advancements in technology and recognition of its clinical benefits. The dissemination of RAS technology relies heavily on robotic proctors, who are tasked with training and guiding their peers in adopting these advanced techniques. Despite their critical role, there is limited understanding of the training, responsibilities, and challenges faced by robotic proctors. A qualitative study was conducted using focus groups to understand the experiences, challenges, and training approaches of robotic colorectal surgery proctors in the UK and Ireland. Established proctors were invited to participate in the focus groups and to share insights into their practices, training methods, and the current state of robotic proctorship. The data were analysed thematically using NVivo software. Ten expert robotic surgeons participated in our study, with the majority working with Intuitive Surgical platforms (n = 9, 90%). Over 60% had been robotic trainers for more than 6 years and 60% were considered high-volume proctors, having proctored over 30 surgeons, and conducted more than 20 proctored cases annually. Thematic analysis revealed eight interconnected themes: proctor selection, proctor responsibilities, proctored training, accreditation, challenges, industry-proctor partnerships, emerging technologies, and network and support. Robotic proctoring is essential for scaling RAS adoption, however, it is a complex arena, with significant gaps in training frameworks and support systems. Establishing standardised guidelines and professional support structures is critical to ensure consistency, quality, and safety in robotic surgical training.
在技术进步以及对其临床益处的认可推动下，机器人辅助手术（RAS）在结直肠手术中的应用正在迅速增长。RAS技术的传播在很大程度上依赖于机器人指导者，他们的任务是培训和指导同行采用这些先进技术。尽管他们发挥着关键作用，但人们对机器人指导者所面临的培训、职责和挑战了解有限。本研究采用焦点小组进行定性研究，以了解英国和爱尔兰机器人结直肠手术指导者的经验、挑战和培训方法。邀请资深指导者参加焦点小组，分享他们的实践经验、培训方法以及机器人指导工作的现状。使用NVivo软件对数据进行主题分析。十名专家级机器人外科医生参与了我们的研究，大多数人使用直观手术平台（n = 9，90%）。超过60%的人担任机器人培训师超过6年，60%的人被认为是高产量指导者，指导过30多名外科医生，每年进行超过20例指导手术。主题分析揭示了八个相互关联的主题：指导者选拔、指导者职责、指导培训、认证、挑战、行业与指导者合作、新兴技术以及网络与支持。机器人指导对于扩大RAS的应用至关重要，然而，这是一个复杂的领域，培训框架和支持系统存在重大差距。建立标准化指南和专业支持结构对于确保机器人手术培训的一致性、质量和安全性至关重要。
