Feasibility of Peer-To-Peer Surgeon Faculty Technical Skills Coaching in Robotic Colorectal Surgery.

Objective: This study presents the results from a pilot faculty reciprocal peer coaching (FRPC) program within the colorectal surgery division at a single institution.

Design: This is a pre-post observational study of a group-based 3-hour FRPC robotic porcine simulation. Before the session, the surgeons completed a survey regarding their expectations for FRPC. During the FRPC, the surgeons discussed their robot-assisted right, left-sided, and total colectomy techniques. For technical skill demonstration, a live porcine model was used to perform intracorporeal anastomoses. While operating, the remaining participants had the opportunity to provide technical feedback. A post-session survey with Likert-based questions was completed regarding practical and psychosocial experiences and their interest in future events.

Participants: The colorectal surgery faculty across three hospitals of a single academic institution (n = 8).

Results: Six colorectal faculty (75% attendance), with a median of 9 years (1-18 years) post-fellowship, completed the FRPC session. After the FRPC session, more of the surgeons reported that they will request feedback from their peers, reporting that the other surgeons in their group would be their "go-to" when needed (Likert median 4). Additionally, more surgeons reported that FRPC would likely be adapted to various settings and conditions with few foreseeable challenges (Likert mean 4.5). In the post-pilot survey, most surgeons reported their motivations for further participation included enhancing and acquiring new skills. All the surgeons reported relevance to their practice as a motivating factor to participate in future versions of this program.

Conclusions: FRPC is a feasible approach for technical skills refinement and advancement among faculty surgeons. All participating surgeons had their expectations met, enjoyed coaching and being coached, and would participate again. We propose this model as a viable solution to limited collaborative peer-based knowledge and skill improvement.