A Web-Based Education Program for Colorectal Lesion Diagnosis with Narrow Band Imaging Classification

Abstract

Background: An education system for narrow band imaging (NBI) interpretation requires sufficient exposure to key features. However, access to didactic lectures by experienced teachers is limited in the United States. Aim: To develop and assess the effectiveness of a colorectal lesion identification tutorial. Methods: In the image analysis pretest, subjects including 9 experts and 8 trainees interpreted 50 white light (WL) and 50 NBI images of colorectal lesions. Results were not reviewed with subjects. Trainees then participated in an online tutorial emphasizing NBI interpretation in colorectal lesion analysis. A post-test was administered and diagnostic yields were compared to pre-education diagnostic yields. Results: Under the NBI mode, experts showed higher diagnostic yields (sensitivity 91.5% [87.3–94.4], specificity 90.6% [85.1–94.2], and accuracy 91.1% [88.5–93.7] with substantial interobserver agreement [κ value 0.71]) compared to trainees (sensitivity 89.6% [84.8–93.0], specificity 80.6% [73.5–86.3], and accuracy 86.0% [82.6–89.2], with substantial interobserver agreement [κ value 0.69]). The online tutorial improved the diagnostic yields of trainees to the equivalent level of experts (sensitivity 94.1% [90.0–96.6], specificity 89.0% [83.0–93.2], and accuracy 92.0% [89.3–94.7], p < 0.001 with substantial interobserver agreement [κ value 0.78]). Conclusions: This short, online tutorial improved diagnostic performance and interobserver agreement.