Impact of COVID-19 on Endoscopy Training: Perspectives from a Global Survey of Program Directors and Endoscopy Trainers
- Author:
Shivakumar VIGNESH
1
;
Amna Subhan BUTT
;
Mohamed ALBORAIE
;
Bruno Costa MARTINS
;
Alejandro PISCOYA
;
Quang Trung TRAN
;
Damien Tan Meng YEW
;
Shahriyar GHAZANFAR
;
Pezhman ALAVINEJAD
;
Edna KAMAU
;
Ajay M VERMA
;
Robin B MENDELSOHN
;
Christopher KHOR
;
Alan MOSS
;
David Wei Chih LIAO
;
Christopher S HUANG
;
Franklin C TSAI
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Clinical Endoscopy 2021;54(5):678-687
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background/Aims:The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted the training of medical trainees internationally. The aim of this study was to assess the global impact of COVID-19 on endoscopy training from the perspective of endoscopy trainers and to identify strategies implemented to mitigate the impact on trainee education.
Methods:Teaching faculty of gastroenterology (GI) training programs globally were invited to complete a 36-question web-based survey to report the characteristics of their training programs and the impact of COVID-19 on various aspects of endoscopy training, including what factors decisions were based on.
Results:The survey response rate was 52.6% (305 out of 580 individuals); 92.8% reported a negative impact on endoscopy training, with suspension of elective procedures (77.1%) being the most detrimental factor. Geographic variations were noted, with European programs reporting the lowest percentage of trainee participation in procedures. A higher proportion of trainees in the Americas were allowed to continue performing procedures, and trainers from the Americas reported receiving the greatest support for endoscopy teaching.
Conclusions:This study demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant negative impact on GI endoscopy training internationally, as reported by endoscopy trainers. Focus-optimizing endoscopy training and assessment of competencies are necessary to ensure adequate endoscopy training.
