Train the paediatric colonoscopy trainer course: Assessment of perceived value in improving colonoscopy teaching practice.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopy teaching practice is variable, which inevitably affects the training provided. There is only one Train the Paediatric Colonoscopy Trainer (TPCT) course in the UK. Informal feedback has been positive, but its practical value has never been formally assessed. We aim to assess the practical value of the TPCT course and how attendees perceive their teaching practice compared to nonattendees. METHODS: A questionnaire based on the TPCT course learning aims and objectives was distributed to two groups of consultant paediatric gastroenterologists who teach colonoscopy in the UK; those who had attended the course (participants) and those who had not (controls). RESULTS: The 41 completed responses were received. Overall, responses indicated participants of the TPCT course rated their confidence and knowledge in teaching practices as higher than controls (4.27 vs. 3.56 p = < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in all areas set (4.21 vs. 3.71 p = 0.011), dialogue (4.29 vs. 3.55 p = < 0.001) and closure (4.37 vs. 3.6 p = < 0.001) with those who attended the TPCT course giving higher ratings. There was evidence of increased understanding of key concepts such as using standardised language, conscious competence, dual task interference and performance enhancing feedback. CONCLUSION: Attending a TPCT course results in a higher perceived level of knowledge in fundamental teaching principles and confidence in colonoscopy teaching skills.