Robotic-assisted surgery: focus on training and credentialing.
Research has documented a substantial learning curve for surgeons as they develop skills to use robotic technologies. Drawing from data submitted to the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority, this article analyzes the 722 safety events involving robotic-assisted surgery reported since 2005—approximately 75% of these incidents did not result in harm but 10 patient deaths were recorded—and discusses the challenges introduced as robotic-assisted surgery becomes accepted as standard surgical practice.