Effect of Polypectomy Simulation-Based Mastery Learning on Skill Retention Among Practicing Endoscopists.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Simulation

Background:

• Standardized training methods are lacking for physicians performing polypectomy procedures.
• Practicing endoscopists often teach and perform screening colonoscopies and polypectomies.
• Existing clinical experience does not guarantee proficiency in polypectomy skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) curriculum for polypectomy.
• To assess immediate skill improvement after SBML training.
• To determine the retention of polypectomy skills at 6 and 12 months post-training.

Main Methods:

• A pretest-posttest cohort study design was employed.
• Participants underwent SBML training including deliberate practice and skill assessment.
• Endoscopists were randomized to 6- or 12-month follow-up assessments.

Main Results:

• 100% of participants achieved proficiency post-training, a significant improvement from 16.7% pre-training (P < .001).
• The minimum passing standard was set at 93% proficiency.
• 90% of participants maintained skills at 6- and 12-month follow-ups.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) is an effective strategy for acquiring and retaining polypectomy skills.
• The SBML curriculum demonstrated significant skill improvement and long-term retention in practicing endoscopists.
• This approach offers a standardized method for assessing and enhancing physician competency in polypectomy.