July 2023 • Singapore • 38 Fellows
In July 2023, as a part of the National Gastroenterology meeting, we invited 28 trainees for a 5-hours experiential course on cold snare polypectomy (CSP) on realistic silicone models. The one-hand scope handling technique was a prerequisite for the course. All trainees underwent scope handling training on “Alphabet bowl” in advance before enrolment in the course. Prior to participation in the experiential learning, the trainees completed pre-readings on CSP, watched technical videos, and took the baseline knowledge and self efficacy assessment on an online learning management system (Canvas). A week before the course, participants joined a virtual introduction to CSP.
During the course, the trainees were assigned to small groups (3/group) supervised by one expert trainer. Twelve expert trainers facilitated the course. Each trainee underwent a baseline skill assessment and continued repetitive deliberate practice under expert feedback to remove polyps at different locations. After training, participants underwent summative assessment of knowledge (20 MCQs), self-efficacy (anonymous survey) and technical skills of a standard polyp positioned at 10 o’clock (validated cold snare polypectomy assessment tool [CSPAT], scale 1-standards not met to 4- highly skilled). The minimum passing standard (MPS) was a score >=3 for the overall CSP.
The baseline knowledge and technical score was 46.8% and 2.25, respectively. Only 9 trainees (32%) had a competent technical score. After the course, we observed a significant improvement in the knowledge (66.2%, Cohen’s d=1.91), and technical score (2.75, Cohen’s d=0.84) and 21 trainees (75%) reached competency. Trainees reported significant improvement in self efficacy.
