Enhancing colposcopy training using a widely accessible digital education tool in China

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Digital Health

Background:

• A global shortage of colposcopists hinders cervical cancer prevention efforts.
• In-person training is insufficient to meet the demand for skilled colposcopists.
• Existing online training lacks image analysis and long-term effectiveness data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the short- and long-term effects of a digital education tool for colposcopy (DECO) on trainee competencies and confidence.
• To assess the acceptability and clinical utility of DECO in colposcopy training.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post study design was employed between September and November 2022.
• 402 participants completed a 12-day training program using DECO, which included image interpretation, terminology, video teaching, and case studies.
• Competence and confidence were assessed using image-based questions at baseline, post-training, and 2-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Colposcopic competence and confidence scores significantly increased post-training and were sustained at 2 months.
• Diagnostic accuracy improved for various cervical lesions, with an average diagnostic score increase from 55.3 to 70.4.
• Trainees reported high satisfaction with DECO, finding it scientific, user-friendly, and clinically useful.

Conclusions:

• DECO is an effective and acceptable digital tool for enhancing colposcopy skills and confidence.
• The digital format offers efficient, scalable, and sustainable training, overcoming geographic and time limitations.
• DECO has the potential to address the worldwide shortage of trained colposcopists.