Current State and Demand of Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Training in Family Practice Residency Programs

Chun, Jung Han; Yoon, Yeong Sook; Oh, Sang Woo; Lee, Eon Sook; Kim, Min Gyu; Kim, Young Seong; Kim, Yang Hyun; Yang, John

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Most recently, there is an increased use of EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) for primary care among family physicians, which tends to promote EGD training programs in the course of Family Practice Residency. This study determined to survey current status of EGD training programs among residents in family medicine, identify relevant problems, and present some suggestions for their improvement.
METHODS
The subjects were residents selected among family medicine training hospitals, which were registered in the KAFM (Korean Academy of Family Medicine). The residents were in their 3rd year of training or had already completed the EGD training program. Surveys were sent out to those hospitals by mail and electronic mail surveys were performed by researchers.
RESULTS
Among 66 subject hospitals a total of 27 surveys (40.9%) were returned. Most EGD training were performed in the department of internal medicine. The mean duration of training period was 8 weeks. The averale number of hands on experience of the procedure was 62. It was found that most residents thought that EGD training period and the number of hands on experience of the procedure were insufficient. The longer period of actual experience of the procedure and the more number of EGD caseloads they had, the more they were satisfied with their EGD training programs. It was also found that there was a high demand for a follow-up learning opportunities for EGD (p<.05), because the residents who had already had many EGD caseloads further wanted to receive continuous education even, after they acquired license. There were no relationships observation period, period of actual experience of the procedure, and number of EGD caseloads during residency with demand for follow-up learning opportunities.
CONCLUSION
In summary, there was insufficient EGD training period and actual experience of the EGD procedure in family practice residency. There was low satisfaction of EGD training programs and high demand for continuous education. Therefore, it is recommended to establish EGD training program, proper practice training, and regular continuing education after completing residency.