From Expert to Educator: Translating Expert Performance into Teachable Competencies Through Trainer Development in...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Simulation

Background:

• Endoscopy proficiency is crucial for patient safety and quality outcomes.
• Traditional training methods (apprenticeship) result in inconsistent skill acquisition.
• Developing standardized, scalable endoscopy training is a recognized need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Academy of Endoscopy's Train-the-Trainer program.
• To translate expertise research and simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) into a scalable educational model.
• To establish a framework for widespread adoption of simulation-based endoscopy training.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a three-level Train-the-Trainer framework: Simulator-Based Trainers (Level 1), Curriculum Designers (Level 2), and Course Organizers (Level 3).
• Level 1 trainers utilized SBML with standardized assessments for trainees.
• Level 2 focused on curriculum validation and implementation oversight.
• Level 3 managed regional and national scaling of the program.

Main Results:

• Level 1 trainers demonstrated improved instructional skills and enhanced trainee performance.
• Validated curricula and minimum passing standards were established by Level 2.
• Level 3 successfully facilitated the international expansion of the SBML program.
• The framework proved effective in enabling safe and scalable adoption of SBML.

Conclusions:

• A structured Train-the-Trainer program effectively disseminates expertise in simulation-based mastery learning.
• Faculty development is key to the safe and scalable implementation of advanced endoscopic training.
• This model provides a robust approach for improving endoscopy education globally.