Impact of a simulation-based induction programme in gastroscopy on trainee outcomes and learning curves

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Gastroenterology Training
• Simulation-Based Training

Background:

• Pre-clinical simulation-based training (SBT) in endoscopy shows short-term benefits for trainees.
• Longer-term data on the impact of SBT on endoscopic training outcomes are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term (16-month) impact of a two-day gastroscopy induction course (SPRINT) combining theory and SBT.
• Assess effects on trainee performance, procedural outcomes, and time to certification.

Main Methods:

• Prospective case-control study comparing SPRINT attendees (cases) with matched controls from a UK training database.
• Outcomes included unassisted D2 intubation rates, procedural discomfort, sedation practice, and time to 200 procedures and certification.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in long-term D2 intubation rates or discomfort scores between groups.
• SPRINT cases showed a higher rate of unsedated procedures and tended to perform procedures more frequently.
• A significantly greater proportion of SPRINT cases achieved gastroscopy certification earlier.

Conclusions:

• The SPRINT course may lead to earlier gastroscopy certification and increased procedure frequency.
• These findings support further evaluation of pre-clinical induction programs incorporating SBT for endoscopic training.