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Interactive Training Program Improves Surgeon and Pathologist Comfort Level With Total Mesorectal Excision Grading
Samantha J Rivard1, Joceline V Vu1, Arielle E Kanters1
1Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|November 11, 2021
Summary
An interactive webinar significantly improved surgeon and pathologist comfort with total mesorectal excision grading for rectal cancer. This training addresses a key barrier to implementing this best practice for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal Surgery
- Surgical Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Total mesorectal excision (TME) is crucial for rectal cancer treatment, reducing recurrence and improving survival.
- Specimen grading of TME is a recommended best practice but is underutilized in the US.
- Lack of surgeon and pathologist training hinders TME specimen grading implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive webinar in enhancing physician comfort with TME specimen grading.
- To assess the impact of training on surgeons' and pathologists' confidence in grading rectal cancer specimens.
Main Methods:
- A pre- and post-webinar survey design was employed to measure changes in comfort levels.
- Participants included surgeons, residents, pathologists, and pathology assistants from 12 hospitals.
- Surveys assessed familiarity, experience, training, and intention to use grading techniques post-webinar.
Main Results:
- Post-webinar median comfort scores (3.64) were significantly higher than pre-webinar scores (2.94) (p=0.007).
- Both surgeons and pathologists reported statistically significant increases in comfort with TME grading after the webinar.
- 28 out of 34 participants completed both surveys; paired analysis was not possible due to de-identification.
Conclusions:
- The interactive webinar effectively improved comfort levels for both surgeons and pathologists in TME specimen grading.
- Survey data indicate a strong interest among healthcare providers for further training in rectal cancer specimen grading.
- Enhanced training can facilitate wider adoption of TME grading, potentially improving rectal cancer care.
