CMR Surgical, the global surgical robotics company, has announced the launch of a new, global metrics-based training programme for the Versius Surgical Robotic System. This structured and data-led training pathway has been developed directly with consultation from surgical teams using Versius.
The new seven-step programme is focused on surgeons and the wider surgical team achieving key competencies at each stage of the pathway to ensure standardisation in surgical skills. The Gynaecology team at Cardiff & Vale University Health Board in Wales were the first team to be trained on the new pathway, which will now be rolled out globally.
The training pathway draws on cutting-edge technology including Versius Trainer, the Versius eLearning platform, and Versius Virtual Reality. Modules include hand controller training, use of the Versius console, simulation training and in-person observation from a surgical preceptor, and supervision of cases via remote tele-mentoring.
Skill levels are assessed using data-driven metrics and benchmarking, captured through the training technology tools and standard observational data from supervisors and the CMR Technical Skills team. This data enables personalised feedback and will lead to shorter learning curves, reducing the time and costs for teams to become proficient. Access to this data can help to standardise surgeries, aiming to improve outcomes for patients.
Mark Slack, Chief Medical Officer, CMR Surgical said: “We know that surgeons want a data-led, personalised approach to training, and by re-launching our training programme for new robotic surgeons, we are confident that we are helping to increase the proficiency of surgeons and standardising surgical care for patients.”
“We are grateful to the Gynaecology team at Cardiff & Vale for their enthusiasm and dedication in being the first to complete the new training and are excited to see this data-based programme in action with many other surgical teams around the world. We want Versius to deliver the best results in terms of outcomes for patients, and that means doing whatever we can to give surgeons the highest quality of training and support.”
The Gynaecology team at Cardiff and Vale were offered the chance to trial the new training programme following the announcement in March by NHS Wales of the all-Wales National Robotic Assisted Surgery Programme, using Versius. The programme was introduced as a measure to improve outcomes for cancer patients by increasing the number of patients across Wales who have access to less-invasive, minimal access surgery (MAS).
Dr Aarti Sharma, Consultant Gynaecological Oncological Surgeon at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: “Being the first team in the world to trial the new metrics-led training programme has really added to the sense of being a pioneer in bringing surgical robotics to patients in Wales. As we treat our first case today, I am proud to see the excitement and confidence of the entire surgical team to start our robotic surgery programme. This confidence has no doubt been the result of each individual’s journey through this comprehensive new training pathway, and the support and partnership that we have received from the CMR team. Introducing a new way of working can be daunting but knowing that we have the gold standard in training has been both refreshing and inspiring.”
