A Glimpse into Training in Basic Digestive Endoscopy: A National Cross-Sectional E-Survey from the Association of Italian Young Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists

Aims Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy demands complex cognitive and practical skills. Yet, the training landscape in this field remains heterogeneous and often lacks standardisation, with an absence of data specific to training practices within Italy. This study aims at elucidating the current practices and perceptions of basic GI endoscopy training among Italian trainees [1] [2].

Methods A national cross-sectional e-survey was conducted between November 2023 and April 2024. Participants were recruited from the Association of Italian Young Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists (AGGEI). The e-survey included questions regarding demographics, training experiences, perceived proficiency levels, and opinions on current training programs and resources. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was finally performed to identify trends and disparities based on gender, and a logistic regression was conducted to evaluate factors influencing the perception of training quality.

Results A total of 108 trainees participated in the survey (M:F 63:45, 0 non-binary). 58.3% were under 30 years old. Most respondents (67.6%) worked in university hospitals, while 27.8% were in non-university settings. Endoscopy training typically began during the second or third year of residency (83.4%), with around 41% spending 30–40 hours per week in the endoscopy unit. However, 56.6% lacked a designated mentor. Teaching consistency varied, with 46.3% reporting significant variability and only 10.2% perceiving high standardisation. Most trainees (40.7%) preferred a more structured approach. A substantial proportion (37%) received no formal theoretical education, though 88.9% had attended observerships before performing endoscopy, with 44.4% finding these helpful. Colonoscopy training often began simultaneously with esophagogastroduodenoscopy, for 74.1%, and 56.5% performed over 20 procedures weekly. Confidence in cognitive skills was high (48.9% rated 4 on a 5-point scale), with similar ratings for motor skills (34.3%). Despite this, 78.7% reported no simulator-based training, though 39.7% found it helpful. Assessments were mainly based on subjective trainer evaluations (43.5%) or procedure counts (32.4%), with only 7.4% using objective tools. Additionally, 41.7% had urgent endoscopy training, while 24.1% noted that advanced procedures were not included. Logistic regression showed that having a mentor (OR 2.85, CI:1.03–7.86,p=0.043) and urgent endoscopy training (OR 3.61,CI:1.32–9.85,p=0.012) significantly influenced the perception of training quality. Regional differences also played a role, with trainees from the Northwest of Italy showing significantly higher odds of positive ratings (OR 5.62, CI:1.36–23.27,p=0.017) compared to others.

Conclusions This national e-survey highlights the variability in GI endoscopy training among young Italian gastroenterologists. Key issues include the lack of mentorship, standardised teaching, and formal simulation-based training. Enhancing these areas, particularly through the adoption of structured curricula and simulation tools, could help improve the quality and consistency of endoscopy training in Italy.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
27. März 2025

• References

• 1 Antonelli G, Voiosu AM, Pawlak KM. et al. Training in basic gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures: a European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) Position Statement. Endoscopy 2024; 56 (2): 131-150 Epub 2023 Dec 1
• 2 Eysenbach G.. Improving the quality of Web surveys: the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES). J Med Internet Res 2004; 6 (3): e34