Colonoscopy Competency Achieved in 250 to 300 Exams by Gastroenterology Fellows

The Assessment of Competency in Endoscopy (ACE) tool is used by attending physicians to assess trainees performing colonoscopy. Evaluation criteria include air, water, and suction use; scope steering technique; fine tip control; loop production; mucosal visualization; ability to apply tools; overall hands-on competence; and several cognitive skills including indications, pain management, landmark identification, pathology identification, pathology localization, knowledge of tools, and overall cognitive competence. Each criterion is measured on a scale of 1 to 4 (1=novice, 2=intermediate, 3=advanced, 4=superior).

To determine competency thresholds for colonoscopy using the ACE tool, attending endoscopists at 10 U.S. academic centers evaluated…