Endoscopy training in primary care: innovative training program to increase access to endoscopy in primary care

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Public Health

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of death in the US.
• Colonoscopy by family physicians can reduce CRC morbidity and mortality.
• Training family physicians in colonoscopy improves access to care, especially in underserved areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Endoscopy Training for Primary Care (ETPC) program.
• To assess the program's effectiveness in training primary care physicians to perform colonoscopies.
• To determine the impact of training on CRC screening perceptions and practices.

Main Methods:

• The ETPC program combined online didactics, simulator training, and proctoring.
• Participants completed surveys on CRC screening knowledge and training effectiveness.
• Data collected on participant demographics and practice settings.

Main Results:

• 94 practitioners and students participated; 97% completed online didactics.
• Most participants were physicians, primarily in family medicine.
• Training enhanced perceptions of CRC screening value and increased colonoscopy performance, benefiting patients in urban and rural settings.

Conclusions:

• The ETPC program successfully recruited physicians and students.
• Training improved attitudes towards colon cancer screening and endoscopy in primary care.
• Future research should focus on quality assurance and procedural competence in colonoscopy training for family physicians.