ABSTRACT
Aims: Achieving endoscopic targets for CCT is problematic for General Surgery trainees. COVID-19 has negatively impacted all aspects of surgical training. Nationally, only 19% of Colorectal trainees report completing 300 colonoscopies by CCT. We report on an immersive endoscopy training programme to achieve CCT targets. Method(s): Toconfirm reduced access to endoscopy, local General Surgery trainees (n=95) were invited to complete our survey assessing their endoscopic experience during their training to date. We compared The results to outcomes from a new 6-month immersive endoscopy programme. 2 out-of-programme (Oop) trainees;one had no endoscopy experience (completed core training;Oop 1);one had attempted 70 colonoscopies and 130 UGI endoscopies (ST4;Oop2). Result(s): 42 trainees completed The survey (44% response rate), ranging from ST2-ST8 (74% ST2-ST6, 14% ST7/ST8, 12% Oop). UGI endoscopies attempted by all trainees: mean 119 (range 10-306). 55% had attended or secured a place on The JAG UGI endoscopy course. Colonoscopies attempted by all trainees: mean 67 (range 2-233). 45% having attended or secured a place on The JAG colonoscopy course. 29% of trainees anticipated not reaching target CCT endoscopy numbers. In Comparison, in 6 months;Oop1 attempted 49 OGD, 199 colonoscopies with a place secured on colonoscopy course. Oop2 attempted 109 OGD and 216 colonoscopies with both courses completed. Conclusion(s): Shortcomings in endoscopic training and courses, particularly for colonoscopy, have been confirmed. Implementation of immersion endoscopy training can achieve CCT target numbers and competency within a short time, irrespective of previous experience.