Background: EAU Robotic Urology Section Certified Curriculum (ERUS-CC) are validated training programs for robot-assisted surgery in urology developed in order to reduce sub-optimal clinical outcomes during the surgical learning curve. This requires a dedicated environment, based on high surgical volume, availability of simulation facilities and presence of certified trainers. These institutions have the status of EAU Robotic Urology Section Host Centre (ERUS-HC). The aim of the study is to perform a formal review of all ERUS-HC.
Methods: A web-based questionnaire to ascertain the status of educational and clinical activity was sent to all 35 ERUS-HC on April 1st 2017. The items included and results are included below. Results were reported as frequency and proportions for categorical variables and median and interquartile range (IQR) for continuous variables.
Results: Overall, 32/35 (91%) ERUS-HC completed the survey. Median number of robotic systems is 2 (IQR, 1–2). At least one ERUS-CC participant was trained in 63% ERUS-HC during 2015–2016. Virtual reality simulation and dry-lab simulation are available in 81% and 68% of the ERUS-HC. A train-the-trainer certified surgeon is available in 25% of the ERUS-HC. Median number of overall robot-assisted procedures since program opening was 2,000 (IQR, 1,353–3,000).
Conclusions: Data confirmed that ERUS-HC are institutions with high surgical volume, availability of simulation facilities and presence of certified trainers devoted to the implementation of the ERUS-CC. The availability of train-the-trainer certified surgeons in the ERUS-HC is insufficient but improving.
