Skills, Practice Patterns, and Knowledge of Canadian Family Physician Endoscopists

In Canada, few family physicians (FPs) perform endoscopy. Conflicting evidence exists on the quality of endoscopy performed by Canadian FPs, which may be explained by differing skillsets of these endoscopists. The objective of this study was to perform the first exploration of the practice, skills, and knowledge of Canadian FP endoscopists.

A cross-sectional survey, including direct knowledge test, was used.

Twenty Canadian FP endoscopists completed the survey. Ninety-five percent practice outside urban centres, all perform gastroscopies, and 85% perform colonoscopies and polypectomies. These endoscopists are performing about 32 procedures per month. They are using split bowel preparations, performing rectal retroflexion, and tattooing advanced lesions, all characteristics of a quality endoscopist or program. Self-identified knowledge gaps identified included caring for patients with inflammatory bowel disease and staging rectal cancer. Direct testing found gaps in describing Barrett's esophagitis and managing anticoagulated patients who require endoscopy.

Canadian FP endoscopists appear to be providing quality endoscopic exams and should be supported and encouraged to continue to provide care of rural Canadian patients with gastrointestinal concerns. Future training and continuing education events aimed at this group of endoscopists should target identified knowledge gaps.