Expert Consensus Recommendations for Robotic Surgery Credentialing

Abstract

Objective: To define criteria for robotic credentialing using expert consensus.

Background: A recent review of institutional robotic credentialing policies identified significant variability and determined current policies are largely inadequate to ensure surgeon proficiency and may threaten patient safety.

Methods: 28 national robotic surgery experts were invited to participate in a consensus conference. After review of available institutional policies and discussion, the group developed a 91 proposed criteria. Using a modified Delphi process the experts were asked to indicate their agreement with the proposed criteria in three electronic survey rounds after the conference. Criteria that achieved 80% or more in agreement (consensus) in all rounds were included in the final list.

Results: All experts agreed that there is a need for standardized robotic surgery credentialing criteria across institutions that promote surgeon proficiency. 49 items reached consensus in the first round, 19 in the second, and 8 in the third for a total of 76 final items. Experts agreed that privileges should be granted based on video review of surgical performance and attainment of clearly defined objective proficiency benchmarks. Parameters for ongoing outcome monitoring were determined and recommendations for technical skills training, proctoring, and performance assessment were defined.

Conclusions: Using a systematic approach, detailed credentialing criteria for robotic surgery were defined. Implementation of these criteria uniformly across institutions will promote proficiency of robotic surgeons and has the potential to positively impact patient outcomes.