title: Training robotic surgery in urology: experience and opinions of robot urologists.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To answer the research questions: (a) what were the training pathways followed by the first generation of robot urologists; and (b) what are their opinions on the ideal training for the future generation?
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were gathered with a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews in a mixed-method research design.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results show that training approaches differed from hardly any formal training to complete self-initiated training programmes, with all available learning resources. The median number of supervised procedures at the start of robot-assisted laparoscopy was five (range 0-100). Before patient-related console time, respondents indicated that the minimum training of robot trainees should consist of: live observations (94% indicated this as essential), video observations (90%), knowledge (88%), table assisting (87%) and basic skills (70%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The first generation of robot urologists used different training approaches to start robotic surgery. There is a need for a structured and compulsory training programme for robotic surgery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Brinkman
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Medical Centre Alkmaar, The Netherlands.|EMGO Institute, VU Medical Centre Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: B M A
authors.initials: BMA
authors.lastname: Schout
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Sint Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Rietbergen
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: A H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: de Vries
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Sint Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.|Department of Urology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: van der Poel
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, The Netherlands.|Department of Educational Development and Research, FHML, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: E L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Koldewijn
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Witjes
authors.affiliation: Department of Educational Development and Research, FHML, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: J J G
authors.initials: JJG
authors.lastname: van Merriënboer
keywords: expert opinion; interview; robot training