title: Assessing colonoscopy training outcomes using quality indicators.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Training numbers for colonoscopy vary among specialties. Tracking colonoscopy quality indicators for program graduates may provide reliable outcome data to improve educational programs and establish training requirements. The purpose of this study was to measure specific colonoscopy quality indicators for a family medicine graduate to determine if outcome can be used to assess the quality of procedure training and contribute to more objective means of establishing training numbers.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case series of the first 800 colonoscopies performed by a newly credentialed family physician who had performed 101 procedures during residency training. Procedure reports and medical records were reviewed for all patients receiving a colonoscopy by this physician from September 2003 to September 2007. Selected quality indicators were compared to recommended colonoscopy standards.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall reach-the-cecum rate was 98.6%. Adenomas were detected in 21.6% of females and 33.7% of males. All polyps measuring less than 2 cm were removed. Epinephrine was used for 3 patients with hemostasis after polypectomy. There were no perforations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Quality indicators for colonoscopy were met after 101 supervised procedures. Postgraduate tracking of nationally recognized colonoscopy quality indicators can provide valuable outcome data to improve residency training and assist in establishing uniform training requirements among specialties.
authors: Leigh D
authors: LD
authors: Eckert
authors: Matthew W
authors: MW
authors: Short
authors: Jason E
authors: JE
authors: Domagalski
authors: Khalid A
authors: KA
authors: Jaboori
authors: Patricia A
authors: PA
authors: Short