Global trends in training and credentialing guidelines for gastrointestinal endoscopy: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Credentialing, the process through which an institution assesses and validates an endoscopist’s qualifications to independently perform a procedure, can vary by region and country. Little is known about these inter-societal and geographic differences. We aimed to systematically characterize credentialing recommendations and requirements worldwide. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of credentialing practices among gastrointestinal and endoscopy societies worldwide. An electronic search as well as hand-search of World Endoscopy Organization members’ websites was performed for credentialing documents. Abstracts were screened in duplicate and independently. Data were collected on procedures included in each document (e.g. colonoscopy, ERCP) and types of credentialing statements (procedural volume, key performance indicators (KPIs), and competency assessments). The primary objective was to qualitatively describe and compare the available credentialing recommendations and requirements from the included studies. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data when appropriate. Results: We screened 653 records and included 20 credentialing documents from 12 societies. Guidelines most commonly included credentialing statements for colonoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and ERCP. For colonoscopy, minimum procedural volumes ranged from 150-275 and adenoma detection rate (ADR) from 20-30%. For EGD, minimum procedural volumes ranged from 130-1000, and duodenal intubation rate of 95-100%. For ERCP, minimum procedural volumes ranged from 100-300 with selective duct cannulation success rate of 80-90%. Guidelines also reported on flexible sigmoidoscopy, capsule endoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound. Conclusions: While some metrics such as ADR were relatively consistent among societies, there was substantial variation among societies with respect to procedural volume and KPI statements.

Exploring Endoscopic Competence in Gastroenterology Training: A Simulation-Based Comparative Analysis of GAGES, DOPS, and ACE Assessment Tools

“…13 ACE has been conceived using the Mayo Colonoscopy Skills Assessment Tool (MCSAT) as a platform whilst bridging its limitations. Because it is a common tool that is used extensively to assess competence in GI in parts of the world, [14][15][16] we considered it an important one to be included in this study.…”