Endoscopy 2003; 35(12): 1020-1023
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-44587
Original Article
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Training in Radial EUS: What is the Best Approach and is There a Role for the Nurse Endoscopist?

J.  Meenan1 , S.  Anderson1 , S.  Tsang1 , D.  Reffitt1 , P.  Prasad1 , L.  Doig1
  • 1Dept. of Gastroenterology, Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
Further Information

Publication History

Submitted 3 December 2002

Accepted after Revision 22 June 2003

Publication Date:
27 November 2003 (online)

Background and Study Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the relative contribution of previous endoscopic experience, case observation, and hands-on experience to skill acquisition in radial EUS.
Methods: In EUS trainees, four senior gastroenterology fellows, and a nurse endoscopist, the ability to reproduce set views from the mediastinum, stomach, and duodenum was assessed. Points were ascribed to static and dynamic stations and to the use of console controls.
Results: Trainees observed 55 - 170 cases and conducted 25 - 124 examinations. Competence was demonstrated after performing approximately 25 examinations in the mediastinum, 35 examinations in the stomach, and 78 examinations in the duodenum. The number of previous examinations conducted correlated with the ability to scan the duodenum (P < 0.01). Observation of 100 or more further procedures early in training did not accelerate learning. The nurse endoscopist showed a comparable degree of competence in mediastinal scanning to that of the other trainees after performing a similar number of examinations.
Conclusions: Proficiency in radial endosonography is greatly influenced by the numbers of examinations performed. Observing large numbers of cases early in training does not appear to translate into competence. A background in advanced therapeutic endoscopy is not a prerequisite for acquiring endoscopic ultrasound skills. Nurse endoscopists may be expected to train successfully in mediastinal imaging at the same pace as senior gastroenterology fellows.

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J. Meenan, M. D.

Dept. of Gastroenterology

St. Thomas's Hospital · London SE1 7EH · United Kingdom ·

Fax: + 44-20-960-5543

Email: john.meenan@gstt.sthames.nhs.uk