Teaching EndoFLIP Impedance Planimetry to Practicing Endoscopists: An Into the Fire Approach to Simulation

Background. There are growing interests from practicing endoscopists to implement the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) impedance planimetry system. We present a simulation-based curriculum using an into the fire approach with hands-on pre- and post-tests to teach the use of this technology. Methods. The curriculum consists of a series of pre-tests, didactic content, mentored hands-on instructions, and post-tests. Pre- and post-testing included a knowledge-based written test, a confidence survey, and an assessment form specific to the hands-on performance of FLIP. Result. Twenty-two practicing physicians completed the curriculum. After course completion, participants had improved knowledge-based written test scores from 6.8 +/- 1.7 to 8.9 +/- 0.9 (P<0.001), confidence scores from 10.0 +/- 5.9 to 22.1 +/- 2.6 (P<0.001), and hands-on performance score from 11.4 +/- 3.4 to 23.1 +/- 2.0 (P<0.001) with significant improvement in all components of the hands-on skills. Conclusion. Our simulation curriculum is effective in improving confidence, knowledge, and technical proficiency when teaching the use of FLIP to practicing physicians.

Automated summary

The simulation-based curriculum effectively improved confidence, knowledge, and technical proficiency in practicing physicians when teaching the use of FLIP.