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Establishing proficiency in flexible sigmoidoscopy in a family practice residency program
1St Luke's Family Practice Residency, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA. jbrill@fammed.wisc.edu
Family Medicine
|October 6, 1997
Summary
Family physicians need 10-15 supervised fiberoptic flexible sigmoidoscopy (FFS) procedures to achieve technical proficiency. Further research is needed on resident gender differences in training and success rates.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Education
- Family Medicine
Background:
- Fiberoptic flexible sigmoidoscopy (FFS) is a key procedure for family physicians.
- FFS is utilized for abdominal problem evaluation and colorectal cancer screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the number of supervised procedures required for family practice residents to achieve technical proficiency in FFS.
- To analyze factors influencing proficiency in FFS.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 262 FFS procedures performed by 55 residents was conducted.
- Data from October 1986 to July 1994 at a family practice residency were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A modest correlation was found between the number of FFS exams and unassisted depth of insertion (UDI).
- Maximal UDI was achieved after 10-15 supervised procedures.
- Patient factors (gender, prior surgery, preparation quality) and resident gender significantly impacted UDI.
Conclusions:
- Technical proficiency in FFS, indicated by maximal UDI, is typically reached after 10-15 supervised procedures.
- Further investigation into differences in training experiences and UDI success based on resident gender is warranted.