A comprehensive robotics training programme for tomorrow’s surgeons, pioneered in Newcastle, has paved the way for a national approach to provide earlier access to the latest technology and skills.
The Surgical Training in Advanced Robotic Technology (START) programme provides trainee surgeons with earlier access to robotic technologies, giving them an opportunity to develop specialist knowledge, skills and expertise using multiple systems at a key stage in their career.
Doctors in the north east, north west and east of England are now benefiting from immediate access to the specialist training, with plans underway for a rollout across England.
The programme is based on the highly successful, pioneering robotics training programme at Newcastle Surgical Training Centre, which has already seen over 50 surgical trainees from the region honing their skills through a range of simulation tasks and hands-on sessions.
The training for this fast-moving area of health care is accredited to the high quality standards required by the Royal College of Surgeons.
Each trainee works to a bespoke tracker which defines requirements and competencies for each phase of training, allowing clear progress to be measured throughout the course.
Professor Alan Horgan, consultant surgeon, clinical lead for the national START programme, and director of the Newcastle Surgical Training Centre, said:
“Robotic-assisted surgery is a rapidly developing area of expertise and has the potential to transform patient care and enable faster recovery with fewer complications.
“This comprehensive training course covers the complex and evolving skills needed for safe and effective robotic surgery.
“We’re delighted that a surgical training scheme designed in Newcastle has led to the development and launch of the START programme.
“As it continues to roll out nationally, the programme will be a key step in supporting the NHS to build a pipeline of surgeons equipped with the necessary skills for robotics surgery in the future.”
The Shelford Group – a collaboration of teaching hospitals across the country – has partnered with the Newcastle Surgical Training Centre to develop the START programme, which uses robotic training systems from manufacturers including Intuitive da Vinci, CMR Surgical Versius and Medtronic Hugo™ surgical systems.
