How Endoscopy Training Works

  • One of the best bits of gastroenterology training is learning to endoscope.
  • Most trainees will have little or no prior experience when they become an ST3. Endoscopy training should commence as soon as you start as an ST3
  • All trainees should have an endoscopy unit induction when they start in a new unit.
  • All training starts with observation prior to getting ‘hands on’.  You`ll need to observe a number of procedures before gradually learning the component skills yourself.
  • It is recommended trainees learn and become competent in upper GI endoscopy before commencing learning lower GI endoscopy.  This allows your skills to develop and for you to focus on learning one set of skills at a time.
  • It is a requirement that you attend a Basic Skills in Endoscopy and Colonoscopy Course.  This is best done early in your endoscopy training, ideally once you’ve had a little hands on experience.  Endoscopy courses are booked via the JETS website.
  • During each post you should have a named endoscopy trainer (not necessarily your educational supervisor).  You should discuss your training needs and objectives at the start of each post.
  • An important goal of your endoscopy training is to achieve JAG certification.  The JAG (Joint Advisory Group on Endoscopy) is an organization which oversees the standards of endoscopy (including training) in England.  A comprehensive description of endoscopy training and assessment is available on the JAG website.
  • Once you've become competent in upper GI endoscopy, you can move on to colonoscopy training and therapeutic upper GI work. ERCP training is rationed according to demand for ERCPists. There are currently 1-2 trainees with an interest in ERCP in the region.  If you are interested in pursuing ERCP training you should approach your educational or endoscopy training supervisor. It is also essential to inform the TPD as early as possible (see HEE NE ERCP training document).
  • You should get at least one dedicated training list (with a suitable number of cases and case mix) per week and attend one service list per week.  There is a lot of expertise in endoscopy training in North East England.  If you do not feel you are receiving the training you need you should discuss the situation with your endoscopy training supervisor or ask other trainees for advice.
  • The JAG has defined a wide range of quality standards which all NHS endoscopy units in England are expected to audit themselves against.  Perfomance against these standards is monitored by JAG. This system is known as GRS (Global Rating Scale- link below).  There is a specific training domain in GRS, this outlines the standard of training an endoscopy unit should provide.  A selection of the GRS training standards are shown below (only the higher attainable standards are shown).  More details are available on the GRS, JAG and JETS websites. Trainees can refer to the GRS requirements if they have any concerns about the endoscopy training they are receiving.
Please follow this link to GRS domain standards
 

Gathering Evidence of your training

  • Being able to demonstrate evidence of your endoscopy training is very important for a number of reasons.
  • It is much easier to gather the evidence as you`re going along, rather than trying to dig it out the day before your ARCP.
  • The JETS (JAG endoscopy training system) e-portfolio is an online tool for recording endoscopic procedures and accumulating evidence of your training. DOPS can be completed online and you have the opportunity to feed back on your trainer. The e-portfolio is available in all hospitals in the Northern region, you should approach your endoscopy lead trainer to arrange registration as soon as you start a new post. The JETS e-portfolio is likely to be the most important way of gathering evidence of your endoscopic training for the foreseeable future, it will save you a lot of time if you get into the habit of using it frequently, ideally during each endoscopy list you attend.
  • You will also need to complete the required number of JRCPTB DOPS forms for each year of your training. The number required is subject to change so check beforehand. At some point the NHS e-portfolio and the JETS e-portfolio may be linked so you only need to collate evidence of your endoscopy training in one place.
  • The JETS e-portfolio is essential for obtaining JAG certification. You should register with JAG when you commence your endoscopy training. Certification can be obtained for diagnostic upper GI endoscopy, diagnostic lower GI endoscopy, therapeutic endoscopy and ERCP. You are required to obtain certification at each level as you progress. The requirements for certification and the process of obtaining it are subject to change. Full details are available on the JAG website, or ask a trainee who has recently been through the process for advice.

 

Information for Current Trainees

Access essential information on regulations, study leave, certification, assessment and the curriculum.

Information for trainers and educators

Development and guidance on becoming a trainer, standards for trainers, essential documentation for clinical and educational supervision including guidance for GP trainers,  Trust and out-of-hours supervisors, plus news about the latest courses and conferences.

 

Potential Applicant

Visit our Recruitment website to find out what it's like to be a GP trainee in the north east and north Cumbria.