USE OF ENDOSCOPIC CLASSIFICATIONS AMONGST TRAINEES IN IRELAND

Aims:

Use of classifications to describe endoscopic findings in a standardised fashion is recommended. Their use is advocated for both upper and lower endoscopy. Incorporating them into routine practice is advised but requires education and initiative.

The aim was to establish if Irish trainees are including standardised classifications and scoring systems in endoscopy reports.

Methods:

A survey was distributed to gastroenterology trainees working in Ireland over a four week period. Routine incorporation of Mayo Endoscopic Score, NICE, Paris and Prague classifications into endoscopy reporting was established.

Results:

There were 31 respondents; 29 were included for analysis. Response rate was 50.5%. Among respondents 60% were male and the median age 31.5 years (range 28 – 43). Responses were identified from 10 of the 16 hospital sites surveyed. Only 48% of trainees have a formal training list and 52% have been scoping for 4 years or more. To describe polyps 50% of trainees typically use the Paris Classification; 18% never use it. Among non-users, 31% don't find it useful and 31% forget to use it. Typically 29% use the NICE Classification whereas 29% never use it. Of those who don't use the NICE classification 37% forget to use it and 26% don't find it useful. Notably 11% are not sure what the NICE classification is. When reporting IBD findings 85% typically use standardised reporting scores. Among non-users 67% report that they forget to use them and 33% report it takes too much time. The majority at 96% always use the Prague Classification to describe Barrett's.

Conclusions:

Frequently trainees don't utilise endoscopic classifications. Improved education and awareness will help improve current practice.