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DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-870202
Development and Validation of a Multiple-Choice Question Paper in Basic Colonoscopy
Publikationsverlauf
Submitted 4 October 2004
Accepted after Revision 8 February 2005
Publikationsdatum:
22. August 2005 (online)

Background and Study Aims: Factual knowledge underpins competence in all clinical skills. A multiple-choice
question paper (MCQ) was designed as part of an accelerated colonoscopy training week
(ACTW). In the United Kingdom, there are no validated methods of assessing core knowledge
in colonoscopy. The aims of this study were to develop an MCQ paper, to demonstrate
its construct validity, and to establish whether the ACTW improved core knowledge.
Materials and Methods: Two 30-question MCQ papers (A and B) were designed. Delegates attending the British
Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) 2004 meeting responded either to MCQ paper A or
B. Demographic data were collected on their experience in colonoscopy. Doctors attending
the ACTW completed either MCQ paper A or B before the course, and the other paper
after the course.
Results: Seventy-eight delegates at the BSG meeting completed the MCQ. There was a significant
difference in the scores between those who had carried out less than 200 colonoscopies
(mean 32.5 %) and those who had performed more than 200 (mean 58.4 %; P < 0.0001). Seventeen doctors attending the ACTW completed the MCQ. The mean score
for papers A and B increased significantly following the course - 57.2 % before the
ACTW, 67 % after it (P = 0.003).
Conclusion: This MCQ is capable of differentiating between endoscopists with different levels
of experience in colonoscopy. Doctors attending an ACTW significantly improve their
knowledge in colonoscopy. A validated MCQ such as this could be used as part of the
assessment process to ascertain competence in colonoscopy.
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S. Thomas-Gibson, MRCP
Wolfson Unit for Endoscopy · St. Mark’s Hospital
Watford Road · Harrow, Middlesex HA1 3UJ · United Kingdom
Fax: +44-208 423-3588
eMail: siwan@doctors.org.uk