title: Effectiveness of a novel endoscopy training concept.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Training standards in gastrointestinal endoscopy are poorly defined even though different simulators are increasingly used for skills training. In 2001 a new training concept called "GATE--gastroenterological education-training endoscopy" was established, which provides a combination of background theory, video demonstrations, and simulator training. We aimed to evaluate the acceptance and training effect of this training model.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 98 physicians participating in four training courses were included. Data were collected on baseline characteristics, acceptance (5-point Likert scale), and pre- and post-course knowledge through a structured questionnaire (A-type and Pick-N multiple choice questions). A total of 13 trainees were randomly selected for additional simulator assessment of training effects on manual skills (5-point Likert scale).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 78 trainees (80%) provided complete data sets. The evaluation showed a positive acceptance of the training program (value 1 and 2, Likert scale); for example, 88% of participants suggested the inclusion of the GATE course as an obligatory part of endoscopic education. There was a significant improvement in theoretical knowledge in the post-test set compared with the pre-test set (mean 3.27 ±1.30 vs. 1.69 ±1.01 points; P<0.001). The training effect on practical skill showed a significant reduction in time needed for a procedure (445 ±189 s vs. 274 ±129 s; P<0.01). The mean assessment rating for practical skills improved from 3.05 ±0.65 at baseline to 2.52 ±0.59 on Likert scale ( P=0.085).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The integrated GATE training improved theoretical knowledge and manual skill. The GATE courses have been accredited by the German Society of Gastroenterology, underlining the demand for implementing preclinical training courses in endoscopic training.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik-Campus Innenstadt, Klinikum der Universität München, Ziemssenstrasse 1, Munich, Germany. manuela.goetzberger@med.uni-muenchen.de
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Götzberger
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rösch
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Geisenhof
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gülberg
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Schmitt
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Niemann
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Kopp
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Faiss
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Heldwein
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Fischer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric