The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Expert Consensus Statements on a Framework for a Standardized National Robotic Curriculum for Thoracic Surgery Trainees

Abstract

Objective: With robotic technology's rapid growth and integration, an urgent need to bridge the educational gap in thoracic surgical training has emerged. This document, a result of consensus among a group of experts in the practice and training of robotic surgery from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, aims to provide a framework for a standardized national robotic curriculum for thoracic surgery trainees.

Methods: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Task Force on Robotic Thoracic Surgery and Workforce on E-learning and Educational Innovation assembled an expert group with the input of the Thoracic Surgery Director's Association. A focused literature review was performed, and expert consensus statements were developed using a modified Delphi process to address 3 major themes: (1) program expectations, (2) components of training, and (3) assessment and feedback.

Results: A consensus was reached on 12 recommendations. These consensus statements reflect updated insights on developing a standardized robotics curriculum based on the latest literature and current educational experience, focusing on program expectations and educational guidelines to develop an optimal training curriculum.

Conclusions: The expert panel provides several key recommendations to provide a framework for developing a standardized national robotic thoracic curriculum, which would improve resident education and abridge any educational disparity that may exist among programs.