While gastroenterological professional societies currently recommend physicians perform 140 procedures before testing competency, Dr. Sedlack’s findings show an average of 275 procedures may be required for a gastroenterology fellow to “reach minimal cognitive and motor competency,” according to the release.
The researchers used the Mayo Colonoscopy Skills Assessment Tool to test gastroenterology fellows’ performance. The tool assesses intubation rates and timing, safety and pain in performing the procedure and recognition of potential patient issues.
The findings have implications for other specialists as well, because surgery or family practice physicians may practice significantly less during their training than do gastroenterology fellows.
The results of this study and others have prompted the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy to rewrite its colonoscopy training guidelines.
Read the Mayo Clinic release on colonoscopy practice.
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