Do breaks in gastroenterology fellow endoscopy training result in a decrement in competency in colonoscopy?
There may be a very small decrement in fellows' abilities to intubate the cecum after a break in endoscopy training. Because these changes are so small, teaching endoscopy in blocks is probably adequate, if necessary to balance other clinical and research experience. However, further research is needed to determine whether a longitudinal endoscopy experience is superior for attaining and maintaining competency, to evaluate the effects of breaks longer than 8 weeks, and to determine whether the effects of breaks depend on the previous volume of experience with colonoscopy.
This study supports the saying that 'practice makes perfect'. The knowledge and experience of the surgeons and the hospital management team are equally important in the supply of health services to patients with varying severity of illness, and are needed to maintain the competitive position of a hospital.