Simulation Training Improves Trainee Technical Skill and Procedural Attitudes in Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement

Introduction Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement remains a core competency of gastroenterology fellowship, although this procedure is performed infrequently. Some training programs lack sufficient procedural volume for trainees to develop confidence and competence in this procedure. We aimed to determine the impact of a simulation-based educational intervention on trainee technical skill and procedural attitudes in simulated PEG tube placement. Methods Gastroenterology fellows were invited to participate in the study. Baseline procedural attitudes toward PEG tube placement (self-confidence, perceived skill level, perceived level of required supervision) were assessed before simulation training using a Likert scale. Baseline technical skills were assessed by video recording-simulated PEG tube placement on a PEG tube simulator with scoring using a procedural checklist. Fellows next underwent individualized simulation training and repeated simulated PEG tube placement until greater than 90% of checklist items were achieved. Procedural attitudes were reassessed directly after the simulation. Technical skill and procedural attitudes were then reassessed 6 to 12 weeks later (delayed posttraining). Results Twelve fellows completed the study. Simulation training led to significant improvement in technical skill at delayed reassessment (52.9 +/- 14.3% vs. 78.0 +/- 8.9% correct, P = 0.0002). Simulation training also led to significant immediate improvements in self-confidence (2.1 +/- 0.7 vs. 3.1 +/- 0.3, P = 0.001), perceived skill level (2.2 +/- 1.0 vs. 4 +/- 1.1, P < 0.001), and perceived level of required supervision (2.2 +/- 0.9 vs. 3.2 +/- 0.6, P = 0.003). Conclusions Simulation training led to sustained improvements in gastroenterology fellows' technical skill and procedural attitudes in PEG tube placement. Incorporation of simulation curricula in gastroenterology fellowships for this infrequently performed procedure should be considered.