The Path Forward: Assessing a Pilot Competency-Based Curriculum on Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction for...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Education
• Gut-Brain Axis Research

Background:

• Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) are highly prevalent but underrepresented in postgraduate gastroenterology curricula.
• This leads to a knowledge gap and discomfort among gastroenterologists in managing DGBI.
• Existing training lacks focus on essential skills and attitudes for effective DGBI patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a pilot competency-based curriculum for managing DGBI in U.S. adult gastroenterology fellowship programs.
• To assess the impact of didactic training on medical knowledge and attitudes towards DGBI patients.
• To identify challenges in integrating DGBI content into gastroenterology training.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a pilot competency-based curriculum across six U.S. adult gastroenterology fellowship programs.
• Utilized a didactic-based approach to deliver DGBI principles.
• Assessed changes in medical knowledge and attitudes before and after the curriculum.

Main Results:

• The didactic curriculum significantly improved medical knowledge regarding DGBI.
• No significant change was observed in the attitudes of trainees towards patients with DGBI.
• Practical challenges in curriculum integration were identified.

Conclusions:

• Didactic curricula can enhance DGBI knowledge but require complementary strategies to improve trainee attitudes.
• Scalable national curricula are needed, focusing on skills and attitudes for better patient outcomes.
• Continuous faculty development is crucial for effective DGBI education in gastroenterology training.