Impact of a simulation training curriculum on technical and nontechnical skills in colonoscopy: a randomized trial

BackgroundGI endoscopy simulation-based training augments early clinical performance; however, the optimal manner by which to deliver training is unknown.ObjectiveWe aimed to validate a simulation-based structured comprehensive curriculum (SCC) designed to teach technical, cognitive, and integrative competencies in colonoscopy.DesignSingle-blinded, randomized, controlled trial.SettingEndoscopic simulation course at an academic hospital.Participants and InterventionsThirty-three novice endoscopists were allocated to an SCC group or self-regulated learning (SRL) group. The SCC group received a curriculum consisting of 6 hours of didactic lectures and 8 hours of virtual reality simulation-based training with expert feedback. The SRL group was provided a list of desired objectives and was instructed to practice on the simulator for an equivalent time (8 hours).Main Outcome MeasurementsClinical transfer was assessed during 2 patient colonoscopies using the Joint Advisory Group Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (JAG DOPS) scale. Secondary outcome measures included differences in procedural knowledge, immediate post-training simulation performance, and delayed post-training (4-6 weeks) performance during an integrated scenario test on the JAG DOPS communication and integrated scenario global rating scales.ResultsThere was no significant difference in baseline or post-training performance on the simulator task. The SCC group performed superiorly during their first and second clinical colonoscopies. Additionally, the SCC group demonstrated significantly better knowledge and colonoscopy-specific performance, communication, and global performance during the integrated scenario.LimitationsWe were unable to measure SRL participants’ effort outside of mandatory training. In addition, feedback metrics and number of available simulation cases are limited.ConclusionsThese results support integration of endoscopy simulation into a structured curriculum incorporating instructional feedback and complementary didactic knowledge as a means to augment technical, cognitive, and integrative skills acquisition, as compared with SRL on virtual reality simulators. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01991522.)