Is formal training necessary for capsule endoscopy? The largest gastroenterology trainee study with controls

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Education
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Limited understanding of capsule endoscopy training infrastructure for gastroenterologists.
• Unquantified exposure to capsule endoscopy among UK and European trainees.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare capsule endoscopy interpretation skills between gastroenterology trainees and medical students.
• Assess trainee exposure and training needs for capsule endoscopy.
• Evaluate interpretation accuracy for gastric emptying time, small bowel transit, and diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• 10 gastroenterology trainees and 5 medical students interpreted 10 capsule endoscopy videos.
• Expert interpretation served as the gold standard.
• Questionnaire survey assessed UK trainee exposure and training perceptions.

Main Results:

• Trainees demonstrated superior accuracy in determining gastric emptying time and making correct diagnoses compared to students.
• Trainees had fewer false positive interpretations.
• Survey revealed 65% of trainees had prior capsule endoscopy exposure, but only 13% reported reporting experience.
• 67% of trainees desired capsule endoscopy integration into their training.

Conclusions:

• Prior endoscopic experience enhances capsule endoscopy interpretation accuracy in trainees.
• A need exists for specialized training to improve trainees' ability to interpret capsule endoscopy findings.