Perspectives on Robotic HPB Training in the UK: A Survey Analysis

Background A step–up approach for robotic training in hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery has been previously published by our group. 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 of the 29 questions. The audience comprised of 93 consultants and 61 trainees. Over 90% of participants were in favour of a standardised training pathway. 93.6% respondents were in favour of the proposed step-up approach to training, with a significant number (67.3%; p<0.001) considering three levels of case complexity as appropriate. 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.