Evaluation of a European-wide survey on paediatric endoscopy training

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate quality of paediatric endoscopy training of Young members of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).MethodsAn online questionnaire designed by the Young ESPGHAN Committee was sent to 125 Young ESPGHAN members between February 2014 and September 2015. The questionnaire comprised 32 questions addressing some general information of the participants and the structure of their paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition programmes; procedural volume and terminal ileal intubation (TII) rate; supervision, assessments, participation in endoscopy courses and simulator training; and satisfaction with endoscopy training and self-perceived competency.ResultsOf 68 participants, 48 (71%) were enrolled in an official training programme. All alumni (n=31) were trained in endoscopy. They completed a median of 200 oesophagogastroduodenoscopies (OGDs) and 75 ileocolonoscopies (ICs) with a TII rate of >90% in 43%. There is a significant difference in numbers of ICs between the TII rate groups >90%, 50%–90% and <50% (median 150 vs 38 vs 55) (p<0.001). 11 alumni (35%) followed the ESPGHAN Syllabus during training. 25 alumni (81%) attended basic skills endoscopy courses and 19 (61%) experienced simulator training. 71% of the alumni were ‘(very) satisfied’ with their diagnostic OGD, while 52% were ‘(very) satisfied’ with their IC training. The alumni felt safe to independently perform OGDs in 84% and ICs in 71% after their training.ConclusionsDespite reaching the suggested procedural endoscopy volumes, a rather low TII rate of >90% calls for end-of-training certifications based on the achievement of milestones of competency.

Pediatric endoscopy training across Europe: a survey of the ESPGHAN National Societies Network 2016–2019

“…The availability of structured direct observation tools such as Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Competency Assessment Tool for pediatric colonoscopy (GiECATkids) is important to provide a framework for teaching, support trainee learning through instructive feedback, assess trainee progress toward specific competency-based milestones, facilitate identification of skill deficits and ensure readiness for independent practice 34 . Despite the widely acknowledged need for a structured training program in pediatric endoscopy, there is wide variation across Europe in the opportunities for and quality of endoscopic training, as demonstrated by the earlier ESPGHAN survey of trainees 13 and this more comprehensive Europe-wide survey of training centers.…”

“…The ESPGHAN and North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) Guidelines for training in Pediatric Gastroenterology define appropriate training and the minimum number of procedures recommended to achieve competency in endoscopy, and emphasize the need for trainees to become familiar with endoscopic procedures and understand their use, interpretation and limitations [2,9]. However, a recent European survey found that training in pediatric endoscopy in Europe is variable and often inadequate, as reported by trainees themselves [13].…”

Screening and Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency in UK Patients with Crohn’s Disease: Self-Reported Practice among Gastroenterologists

“…A UK web-based survey with eight questions regarding diathermy practice for colonic polypectomy had a 71.8% response rate [25]. A further European wide web-based survey contained 32 questions regarding the structure of training programmes on paediatric endoscopy [26]. This survey was also sent via a professional society (Young ESPGHAN) and had a response rate of 62% [26].…”

“…A further European wide web-based survey contained 32 questions regarding the structure of training programmes on paediatric endoscopy [26]. This survey was also sent via a professional society (Young ESPGHAN) and had a response rate of 62% [26]. It appears that the main differences between the administration of these surveys and our current survey were the length of time the survey was open and the number of reminders sent.…”

“…Fan and Yan [27] suggest that the salience of survey content is one of the main influencing factors on response rate. The published surveys by Verma and Chilton 2019 [25] and Broekaert et al 2019 [26] pertain to core skills in endoscopy required in the role of a gastroenterologist. An awareness only of osteoporosis is required in specific disease states, and vitamin D deficiency is not mentioned at all in the UK specialty curriculum [28].…”