title: Intensive training over 5 days improves colonoscopy skills long-term.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Poor standards in colonoscopy services and the introduction of a colorectal cancer screening program in the United Kingdom have highlighted the need to establish high-quality training and competency assessments in colonoscopy. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of a 1-week hands-on colonoscopy course utilizing novel assessment tools.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-one doctors with varying colonoscopy experience who attended an accelerated colonoscopy training week (ACTW) were prospectively studied. They were trained and assessed in key aspects of colonoscopy. Knowledge was assessed with a multiple choice question (MCQ) paper. Practical hand skills were taught and evaluated using a computer simulator and live case teaching. Actual colonoscopy performance was assessed using Direct Observation of Procedural Skills scores (DOPS) and an objective tri-split video score of insertion technique. Two independent trainers taught and assessed the trainees at the start and end of the ACTW and at a median of 9 months' follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Following training there were significant improvements in the MCQ score (P < 0.001), the simulator test case times (P = 0.02, P = 0.003), and the global DOPS score (P < or = 0.02). All improvements following the accelerated training were sustained at a median follow-up of 9 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study is the first in the literature to describe the positive, sustained impact of an intensive hands-on colonoscopy training course. Measurements of performance in key areas of skill acquisition improved following training.
authors: Wolfson Unit for Endoscopy, St. Mark's Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex, UK. siwan@doctors.org.uk
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Thomas-Gibson
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Bassett
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Suzuki
authors: G J
authors: GJ
authors: Brown
authors: C B
authors: CB
authors: Williams
authors: B P
authors: BP
authors: Saunders
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003113:Colonoscopy; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003479:Curriculum; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D013997:Time Factors; D006113:United Kingdom; D014741:Video Recording