RCSI National Robotic Surgery Training Curriculum

The curriculum follows a structured modular pathway that enables trainees to progressively develop the knowledge, technical skills and non-technical skills required for robotic surgery. It combines online learning, virtual reality simulation, hands-on practical training, human factors education, independent simulator practice and competency-based assessment across three sequential modules.

The curriculum comprises the following core components:

• Online learning: Completion of the online foundations programme, which provides the theoretical principles of robotic surgery, patient safety, instrumentation, technology and operating room workflow.
• Virtual reality (VR) simulation: Completion of a structured programme of simulator exercises to develop core robotic skills and achieve the foundational competencies required for progression through the curriculum.
• Robotic bedside assistant training: Practical training in patient positioning, robotic system setup, docking, instrument exchange, troubleshooting and safe operating room workflow.
• Basic console skills training: Hands-on training using hydrogel and synthetic simulation models to develop core console skills, including camera control, clutching, instrument handling, dissection, energy application and suturing.
• Human factors and emergency training: Focused training in communication, situational awareness, teamwork, emergency undocking and crisis management within the robotic operating environment.
• Independent simulator practice: Completion of a prescribed number of independent simulator hours between modules to consolidate technical skills and demonstrate ongoing progression.
• Competency-based assessment: Structured assessment throughout the curriculum to ensure participants achieve the required standards before progressing to subsequent modules and successful completion of the certificate.

Module 1 – Foundations of Robotic Surgery

The first module focuses on the core principles required for safe robotic surgical practice and includes:

• Robotic surgery fundamentals and operating room setup
• Instrumentation and platform awareness
• Patient safety and human factors
• Bedside assisting skills
• Robotic operating theatre workflow
• Emergency management and troubleshooting

Dedicated robotic training facilities

Training will be delivered within RCSI’s newly refurbished robotic surgery training facilities, designed specifically to support robotic surgical education.

Participants will have access to:

•  Dedicated robotic surgery simulation workstations
• Structured simulator-based skills training
• A bespoke robotic surgery logbook developed by RCSI
• Opportunities to accumulate simulator training hours and document progression toward competency benchmarks 
• Structured pre-course online learning developed by RCSI faculty
• Hands-on practical training and assessment

Future modules

Further modules covering advanced technical skills, simulation, tissue models, and specialty-specific robotic surgery training will be introduced in a phased rollout following completion of the Foundation Module.

• Monday, 21 September
• Monday, 5 October
• Monday, 12 October
• Monday, 19 October
• Monday, 2 November
• Monday, 9 November
• Tuesday, 10 November
• Monday, 16 November
• Monday, 23 November
• Tuesday, 24 November
• Monday, 30 November
• Monday, 7 December
• Tuesday, 8 December
• Monday, 14 December
• Tuesday, 15 December.

This is a one-day course.

Q: Who will benefit from this course?
A: Any trainee on a surgical training scheme, NCHDs practising in surgery, and surgical consultants.

Q: Will I get a certificate?
A: You will receive a certificate after each module, as well as a certificate of competency after completing three modules.

Q: Which specialties is this course open for?
A: It is open for all surgical specialities that want to gain knowledge on how robotic surgery works.

Q: Can I attend as an international surgeon?
A: Yes, you can attend. However, visa and travel arrangements are the responsibility of the attendee.

Q: How can I progress from Module 1?
A: On successful completion of Modules 1, you will be able to apply to Module 2. On successful completion of Module 2 you will be able to apply to Module 3.