Introduction: We evaluated the level of achievement of the published recommendations of the European and American neurogastroenterology and motility (NGM) Societies, on the competence in managing NGM disorders in a European Country with regulated gastroenterology training program.
Methods: We conducted a nationwide survey to gastroenterologists in Spain. Information regarding demographics, training center characteristics, NGM training, self-reported interest, satisfaction with the Tier 1 skills recommended by the ANMS-ESNM, and perceived competence in the diagnosis and management of diseases in the spectrum of NGM was obtained.
Results: Surveys of 222 participants were analyzed (age 31 ± 3 years, 68% female, 77% specialists, 23% residents). During GI training, the average time spent on NGM was 4 (IQR 2-8) weeks, and 14% of participants reported they did not have any (0 weeks total) specific time dedicated to NGM in their training center. Ninety-two (41%) participants reported low satisfaction in the NGM skills obtained during training. There was a disparity in the skills acquired, being greatest for gastroesophageal reflux disease and lowest for colonic inertia (97% and 19% confident, respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed that the weeks of specific training in NGM was an independent factor associated with perceived satisfaction in the skills obtained (IC 95% 1.8-2.9, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Our data reveal a relevant deficit in training on NGM during gastroenterology fellowships and highlight the urgent need to extend and standardize the time allocated to learning NGM in the training programs, as training time correlates with satisfaction in the skills obtained.
Keywords: gastroenterology training; medical education; neurogastroenterology and motility.
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