Training esophagogastroduodenoscopy skills: a randomized multicenter trial comparing simulation-based training versus...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Simulation

Background:

• The quality of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is influenced by trainee competency and training methods.
• Optimizing training pathways is crucial for developing proficient endoscopists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if simulation-based training (SBT) followed by conventional clinical training (CBT) reduces the number of supervised procedures required for independent EGD performance compared to CBT alone.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial allocated EGD novices to either SBT + CBT or CBT alone.
• The primary outcome was the number of EGD procedures to achieve independent procedural completion.
• Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction and training costs.

Main Results:

• The SBT group required significantly fewer procedures (median 31) for independent completion than the CBT-only group (median 44; P = 0.006).
• No significant differences were observed in patient satisfaction between the groups.
• Median training costs were comparable across both groups.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based training prior to clinical practice accelerates the learning curve for EGD.
• SBT integration is effective in improving trainee efficiency without compromising patient care or increasing costs.
• These findings support the routine adoption of SBT for EGD training.