National multi-specialty robotic surgery training curriculum and implementation for UK surgical residents: a delphi consensus

Abstract

Abstract Robotic-assisted surgery is now established across multiple surgical specialties in the United Kingdom, yet training for surgical residents remains variable, resource-dependent, and insufficiently standardised at national level. This study sought multispecialty expert consensus on the essential components of a national robotic surgery training curriculum for UK surgical residents. A four-round modified Delphi study was conducted between September and December 2025 under the RaDaR network of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Round 1 used open-ended questionnaires with independent dual-coder thematic analysis; Round 2 was a hybrid face-to-face and online meeting with live anonymous electronic voting; Rounds 3 and 4 were online questionnaires addressing statements not yet reaching the pre-defined consensus threshold of 70% agreement or greater. The panel comprised consultant surgeons, surgical trainees, curriculum and training authorities, and industry representatives with deliberately bounded, non-clinical input. 25 participants completed the final round. Of 26 statements, 22 (84%) reached consensus. A three-tier framework of device, basic skills, and procedural training was endorsed, with device training introduced from Phase 1 (76%), basic skills training in Phases 1–2 (96%), and procedural training in Phases 2–3 (88%). Competency assessment integrated within the Annual Review of Competence Progression was supported (84%), alongside multi-source funding; trainee self-funding was not endorsed. This consensus offers a pragmatic foundation for standardising robotic surgery training for UK residents, contingent on coordinated investment in platform access, simulation infrastructure, and faculty development.