What do gastroenterology trainees want: recognition, remuneration or recreation?

BACKGROUND: Occupational psychologists have identified three factors important in motivating physicians: financial reward, academic recognition, time off. AIM: To assess motivators among gastroenterology (GI) trainees. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to GI trainees to assess their motivators: (1) work fewer hours for less lucrative rate, (2) reduction in salary/increase in hours for academic protected time, and (3) work longer hours for higher total salary, but less lucrative hourly rate. RESULTS: Overall, 61 trainees responded; 52% of trainees would work shorter hours for less lucrative rate; 60% would accept a disproportionate reduction in salary/increase in hours for academic protected time; 54% would work longer hours for more money but less lucrative rate. Most trainees (93%) accepted at least one scenario. CONCLUSIONS: Most GI trainees are willing to modify their job description to align with their personal values. Tailoring job descriptions according to these values can yield economic benefits to GI Divisions.

Observational study of the frequency of use and perceived usefulness of ancillary manoeuvres to facilitate colonoscopy completion.

BACKGROUND: A paucity of information exists regarding the frequency of use and usefulness of ancillary manoeuvres such as applying abdominal pressure and changing patient position to successfully complete colonoscopy. This information would be useful to understand and improve colonoscopy technique. AIM: We sought to determine the frequency, type and perceived success of ancillary manoeuvres used when performing colonoscopy during routine clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, observational study was conducted at an outpatient endoscopy centre with a diverse group of colonoscopists. Our hypothesis was that ancillary manoeuvres would be used frequently by endoscopists of varying levels of experience and would be helpful in achieving successful caecal intubation. Information collected included patient and staff characteristics, procedural information and use of ancillary manoeuvres. Additional descriptive information was obtained when a manoeuvre was performed. RESULTS: One thousand three hundred and twenty-seven patients participated (691 women; mean age 62.5+/-12.3). The caecum was reached in 94% of cases. One or more ancillary manoeuvres were used in 73% of cases. Whilst one or two manoeuvres were helpful to achieve caecal intubation, increased manoeuvres were associated with an increased risk of incomplete colonoscopy. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that ancillary manoeuvres are used frequently but are not necessarily predictive of successful caecal intubation. Additional data from prospective, randomised studies are needed to address the overall utility and optimal application of individual manoeuvres.

Appraisal and coping strategies in stressful situations: a comparison of individuals who binge eat and controls.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate whether individuals who engage in binge eating appraise and cope with stressful situations in a different manner than people who do not regularly binge eat. METHOD: Female undergraduates participated in a two-part study. The laboratory portion of the study involved participation in two tasks: an interpersonal stressor and an academic stressor. In the second portion of the study, participants completed a daily stress inventory for 1 week. RESULTS: Individuals in the binge group appraised both the laboratory and natural environment stressors as more stressful than did the controls. Differences were evident in the amount and type of coping strategies used between eating groups. The binge group reported using more positive coping strategies and more catastrophizing in both settings. DISCUSSION: Together, the results suggest that appraisal and coping or stress management components may be useful in treatment packages for individuals who binge eat.