Development of a list of minimum procedures for certifying competence in gastrointestinal endoscopy by the Delphi method.

Abstract

within the frame of reference of any medical specialty, having a consensus list of the type and number of practices characterizing its professional work is key. Thus, the goal of this study was to define a list of minimum procedures to ensure competence in gastrointestinal endoscopy based on a structured consensus process, and to explore the views of leading experts in gastrointestinal endoscopy regarding endoscopist training in Argentina and the need for competence certification. this research entailed a mixed-methods prospective study including using the Delphi method as focus group qualitative research technique, followed by a structured survey. the final consolidated list included 17 procedures deemed essential for competence certification in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Given the dispersion found in the range of minimum numbers required for competence a decision was made to use the median value. For upper gastrointestinal endoscopy the minimum number of procedures was set at 200, whereas 150 was established for videocolonoscopy. this list is a key item in the development of a gastrointestinal endoscopy training framework and competence certification program.