• E Matthew Ritter, Yoon Soo Park, Steven J Durning, and Ara S Tekian.
• Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD.
• Ann. Surg. 2023 Mar 1; 277 (3): e699e706e699-e706.

ObjectiveTo determine if simulation training is required to pass the FES skills test and assess the relationship between simulation training, clinical training, and FES skills test performance.Summary Of Background DataThe ABS began requiring completion of the Flexible Endoscopy Curriculum for all applicants beginning in 2018. The role of simulation-based training in FES skills test performance after this requirement has not been evaluated.MethodsDe-identified data from the initial FES skills tests after the Flexible Endoscopy Curriculum requirement was reviewed, and 731 unique participants with reported simulation experience demographics were identified. Self-reported data included sex, upper (UE) and lower (LE) endoscopy experience, and simulator training hours (SE). Final FES skills exam scores and pass/fail designations for each participant were reported by the FES program staff.ResultsThere was a statistically discernible difference in mean FES total scores between those reporting no SE and more experienced groups ( P = 0.002), and between less and more experienced UE and LE groups ( P < 0.001). There was no statistically discernible difference in FES skills exam pass rates between SE groups ( P = 0.2), but there was a strong relationship between clinical experience (UE & LE) and pass rate ( P < 0.001). Finally, on logistic regression analysis, LE was a discernible predictor of passing [odds ratio (OR) = 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.8, P = 0.02], while UE [odds ratio (OR) = 1, 95% CI 0.8-1.3, P = 0.9] and SE (OR = 1,95% CI 0.9- 1.3, P = 0.7) were not.ConclusionsThere is no threat to the validity of the FES skills test from a need for simulation training to pass the FES skills test. Similarly, the amount of simulation practice is not predictive of passing, but can improve performance on certain FES tasks.Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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