A NOVEL ONE-DAY VIRTUAL-LIVE HYBRID TRAINING COURSE IS FEASIBLE AND HAS A POSITIVE IMPACT ON COLONOSCOPY KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS OF EXPERIENCED ENDOSCOPY TRAINEES

Aims Colonoscopy is a complex practical skill and highly operator dependent. The consistent attainment of key performance indicators (KPIs) depends primarily upon training. Training can be unstructured and contingent upon the observed practice of a small number of trainers. We sought to demonstrate the feasibility and impact of a one-day virtual-live colonoscopy-training course with remote, experienced trainers.

Fig. 1

Methods 6 endoscopy trainees underwent a one-day course involving training by consciously competent colonoscopists who were physically remote. The intervention comprised 5 interactive sessions on colonoscopy theory combined with 6 live sessions, where trainees performed colonoscopy in their local endoscopy unit, receiving real-time instruction and performance enhancing feedback via a tele-conference monitor. KPIs were assessed on trainee-performed colonoscopies for 3 weeks prior and 4 weeks after the training. Qualitative trainee and trainer feedback regarding the course was obtained.

Results 6 experienced colonoscopy trainees (median 26 months prior-training) underwent the intervention. Trainees performed 60 colonoscopies, (33 pre-, and 27 post-training). Favourable trends in cecal intubation rate and adenoma detection rate were observed, (91% vs 96% (P=0.386), and 39% vs 63% (P=0.069)). A trend to improved endoscopist-reported comfort scores (18% vs 11% (P=0.375)) and nurse-reported comfort scores (22% vs 8% (P=0.189)) was observed. Course participants and trainers alike reported globally favourable qualitative experiences with the expert trainers.

Conclusions Standardization of colonoscopy training is critical to the consistent attainment of KPIs and improving patient experience. This is the first demonstration of delivering live colonoscopy training remotely: an approach acceptable to trainees and trainers that has a positive impact on KPIs.

Publication History

Article published online:
14 April 2022