Abstract Background Competence in performing polypectomy is increasingly appreciated as a colonoscopy quality metric, as incomplete resection can lead to post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer, particularly for polyps removed using piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). The relationship between training experiences and cognitive competence in polypectomy has not been previously described. Aims We aimed to examine associations between training and assessment experiences, self-reported comfort, and cognitive competence in polypectomy amongst recent graduates of Canadian gastroenterology training programs. Methods An online survey was distributed to recent GI graduates (≤5 years in independent practice). The survey comprised 4 sections: (1) demographics; (2) training and assessment experiences in colonoscopy, polypectomy, and EMR; (3) self-reported comfort in performing aspects of polypectomy outlined in the Direct Observation of Polypectomy Skills Assessment Tool; and (4) performance on a 22-item multiple choice quiz intended to assess cognitive competence in polypectomy (items and correct responses to which were determined a priori based on agreement of two experts). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and associations between predictors (demographics, training/assessment experiences, self-reported comfort) and outcomes (quiz score) were assessed using multiple linear regression. Results There were 28 survey respondents, comprising 13 (46%) who trained in advanced endoscopy, 5 (18%) in hepatology, 2 (7%) in motility, 1 (4%) in IBD, 1 (4%) in nutrition, and 6 (21%) with no advanced training. This cohort had a mean (SD) duration in independent practice of 29.0 (18.4) months. Their mean (SD) annual volume of colonoscopy, polypectomy, and EMR in independent practice was 530 (221), 182 (76), 28 (16), respectively and they had completed 525 (203) colonoscopies, 146 (92) polypectomies, and 23 (20) EMRs in their prior training. Their mean (SD) quiz score was 71.9% (13.2%). ANOVA revealed significant score differences based on fellowship history, with those trained in advanced endoscopy achieving the highest scores (81.1%, P=0.01). Multiple linear regression revealed that the number of EMRs completed during training was significantly correlated with quiz performance (B=0.60, P=0.03). Conclusions EMR experience during training appears to be associated with cognitive competence in polypectomy in independent practice. These results suggest increasing exposure to EMR in training may improve polypectomy quality amongst practicing endoscopists. Funding Agencies CAG
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