Researchers at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., have developed a new skills assessment tool for colonoscopy trainees, published in the Dec. 2010 issue of GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, according to an ASGE news release.
Traditionally, a lack of standardized and measurable end points in colonoscopy training has made it difficult to reproduce judgment on preparedness of a trainee, according to the release.
The study described the development of a descriptive report of a new colonoscopy skills assessment tool (MCSCAT) and prospective evaluative of the data obtained from the use of the form for the purpose of tool validation. After the form was developed, teaching staff were asked to complete an MCSCAT form assessing fellow performance of every colonoscopy performed in the routine outpatient endoscopy suites, where the majority of procedures performed were routine screening examinations.
To develop the assessment tool, researchers assessed the core skills of colonoscopy and then designed a "blueprint" that broke down colonoscopy skills into basic motor and cognitive competency areas.
The blueprint was then reviewed by a panel and deemed to contain the core cognitive and motor domains of colonoscopy training. The expert panel then identified 14 distinct skills necessary to ensure minimal competence in routine colonoscopy.
Over a three-year period, researchers found an improvement according to MCSCAT form evaluations in cognitive and motor skills as clinicians processed through colonoscopy training, suggesting the MCSCAT is able to demonstrate differences in each stage of training for both motor and cognitive skills.
Read the ASGE news release on the Mayo Clinic colonoscopy assessment tool.
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