Proficiency and use of flexible sigmoidoscopy after residency training for family practice physicians

Residents from Family Practice Programs are given the opportunity to be trained and certified in flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) during their GI rotation. Whether or not this training is helpful to perform FS independently when they go into practice, is unknown Objectives: To assess the frequency and level of comfort of FS performance, and the perception about training received during residency. Material and Methods: Graduated Family Practice Residents who had rotated through the gastroenterology section and received FS training were contacted by phone or mail, and polled on their use of FS. Results: Of 38 former FP residents contacted, 27 (71%) were currently performing FS (Group A), and 11 (29%) were not (Group B) Group A was more likely to be certified at end of the training than those in Group B (p=0.03). The mean (±SEM) number of FS performed per month was 3.8±0.7 (0.75-17). Practitioners in Group A. 1) reported to be able to pass the endoscope to at least 40 cm in 85% of the times (66-99%), 2) to complete the procedure in 17 ± 1.2 min. (8-30 min.) and, 3) to refer 14±0.01% (0-50%) of cases to colonoscopy Group A Group B Total Perception of Training Very useful (%) 22 (81%) 6 (54.5%) 28 (73.6%) Somewhat (%) 5 (19%) 2 (18.1%) 7 (18.4%) Not useful (%) 0% 3 (27.4%) 3 (8%) Number of FS in Residency 23.7±17 17.9±31 221±15 Yr at training 2.7±0.1 2.3±0.1 2.58±0.09 Current Level of Comfort Very Comfortable 11 (40.7%) 3 (30%) 14 (36.8%) Somewhat comfortable 15 (55.5%) 4 (40%) 19 (50%) Not comfortable 1 (3.8%) 3 (30%) 4 (10.5%) The more FS during training, the more comfortable the practitioner was (p<0.05) Conclusions: 1) The majority (71%) of Family Practice residents use their FS training. 2) For the most part they display proficiency similar to described standards 3) The more FS performed during training, the more comfortable performing FS independently and the more apt to use their training.