Relationship between flexible sigmoidoscopy training during residency and subsequent sigmoidoscopy performance in practice.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of the research was to determine whether sigmoidoscopy training during family practice residency is associated with subsequent performance of sigmoidoscopy in practice. METHODS: We surveyed 292 family physicians who graduated from the University of Minnesota Department of Family Practice and Community Health residency program between 1983 and 1989. The survey instrument collected information on the number of physicians who were currently performing flexible sigmoidoscopy in their practices and what factors were associated with performance of this procedure. RESULTS: Physicians with flexible sigmoidoscopy training during residency were performing flexible sigmoidoscopies at a significantly higher rate than those without training during residency (P = .001). A significantly higher proportion of males were performing flexible sigmoidoscopy in their practices than females (P = .0002). The mean number of flexible sigmoidoscopies recommended by residency-trained physicians to be performed during residency for adequate training was 16. CONCLUSIONS: Training in flexible sigmoidoscopy during a family practice residency is associated with a higher rate of flexible sigmoidoscopy performance later in practice. Female physicians perform flexible sigmoidoscopy at a significantly lower rate than their male colleagues; this could be due to a less-adequate training during residency. We recommend that residents perform a minimum of 16 flexible sigmoidoscopies during residency training.