Senior trainee as endoscopy teacher: impact on trainee learning and attending experience.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Gastroenterology Training
• Endoscopic Skill Development

Background:

• Gastroenterology (GI) training programs often lack formal instruction on teaching endoscopy.
• Many gastroenterologists are expected to teach endoscopy without adequate preparation.
• Near-peer teaching offers a potential solution for developing endoscopy teaching skills among senior trainees.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively evaluate a near-peer teaching initiative for endoscopy.
• To identify the benefits and challenges of senior GI trainees teaching junior trainees endoscopy under supervision.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study involving observations of endoscopy teaching sessions.
• Individual interviews with senior trainees (teachers), junior trainees (learners), and attending physicians.
• Thematic analysis of anonymized interview transcripts.

Main Results:

• Junior trainees found senior trainees more approachable and explanations clearer.
• Senior trainees reported enhanced skills in both teaching and performing endoscopy.
• Attendings had positive impressions, with some reservations for junior trainees; perceived benefits generally outweighed barriers.

Conclusions:

• Near-peer endoscopy teaching is a feasible and effective method for enhancing skills for both junior and senior trainees.
• Integrating formal endoscopy teaching training into GI curricula is recommended to foster better endoscopists and teachers.