Insights into endoscopy training: a qualitative study of learning experience

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Skills Training

Background:

• Endoscopy is a critical diagnostic and therapeutic procedure requiring advanced skills.
• Current endoscopy training methods are often inadequate, with limited understanding of optimal teaching strategies.
• Trainees face challenges, including anxiety and difficulty reverting to novice status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore endoscopy trainees' learning experiences.
• To identify key components of effective endoscopy training.
• To inform improvements in current endoscopy education.

Main Methods:

• Initial focus group to establish themes.
• Semi-structured interviews with 10 endoscopy trainees.
• Qualitative analysis of learning experiences.

Main Results:

• One-to-one supervised performance is foundational but often suboptimal.
• Motivation, clear explanations, and constructive feedback are crucial for learning.
• Segmented training and gradual withdrawal of supervision are valued by learners.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopy learning is influenced by factors such as anxiety, novice role adoption, and supervision.
• Effective training incorporates principles from broader skills teaching theories.
• A proposed model for endoscopy learning requires further application and testing to enhance training outcomes.