Simulated Colonoscopy Objective Performance Evaluation (SCOPE): a non-computer-based tool for assessment of...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Simulation

Background:

• Developed as a cost-effective, non-virtual reality (VR) assessment tool for endoscopic skills.
• Addresses the need for objective evaluation methods in colonoscopy training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Simulated Colonoscopy Objective Performance Evaluation (SCOPE) for its ability to objectively assess endoscopic skills.
• To validate SCOPE's effectiveness in differentiating skill levels among endoscopists.

Main Methods:

• Four distinct tasks (Scope Manipulation, Tool Targeting, Loop Management, Mucosal Inspection) were created using a colonoscopy model.
• 35 subjects were stratified into novice, intermediate, and experienced cohorts based on colonoscopy experience.
• A normalized scoring system was implemented, and subjects performed two trials of each task.

Main Results:

• Experienced endoscopists consistently outperformed intermediate and novice groups across all tasks (p < 0.0001 for total score).
• Significant differences in performance were observed between skill groups for Scope Manipulation (p=0.0006), Tool Targeting (p<0.0001), Loop Management (p=0.003), and Mucosal Inspection (p=0.013).
• Respectable test-retest reliability (0.6) was noted for the expert total score.

Conclusions:

• SCOPE demonstrates validity in differentiating endoscopists based on technical skill levels.
• The SCOPE model shows potential as a low-technology, objective tool for endoscopic skills assessment and training.
• This tool can aid in standardizing and improving the quality of endoscopic training programs.