Published online May 6, 2016. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v7.i2.268
Peer-review started: February 14, 2016
First decision: March 1, 2016
Revised: March 13, 2016
Accepted: March 24, 2016
Article in press: March 25, 2016
Published online: May 6, 2016
Processing time: 77 Days and 22 Hours
AIM: To use a survey to characterize and identify potential barriers to the use of digital chromoendoscopy (DC) by practicing gastroenterologists.
METHODS: An anonymous, internet-based survey was sent to gastroenterologists in Connecticut who were members of one of three national gastrointestinal organizations. The survey collected demographic information, frequency of DC use, types of procedures that the respondent performs, setting of practice (academic vs community), years out of training, amount of training in DC, desire to have DC training and perceived barriers to DC use. Responses were collected anonymously. The primary endpoint was the proportion of endoscopists utilizing DC. Associations between the various data collected were analyzed using χ2 test.
RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-four gastroenterologists (48%) of 261 who received the online survey responded. Seventy-eight percent of surveyed gastroenterologists have used DC during the performance of upper endoscopy and 81% with lower endoscopy. DC was used in more than half of procedures by only 14% of gastroenterologists during upper endoscopy and 12% during lower endoscopy. Twenty-three percent (upper) and 21% (lower) used DC more than one quarter of the time. DC was used for 10% or less of endoscopies by 60% (upper) and 53% (lower) of respondents. Endoscopists reported lack of training as the leading deterrent to DC use with 36% reporting it as their primary deterrent. Eighty-nine percent of endoscopists never received formal training in DC. Lack of time (30% of respondents), lack of evidence (24%) and lack of reimbursement (10%) were additional deterrents. There were no differences in DC use relative to academic vs community practice setting or years out of training.
CONCLUSION: DC is used infrequently by most endoscopists, primarily due to a lack of training. Training opportunities should be expanded to meet the interest expressed by the majority of endoscopists.
Core tip: Digital chromoendoscopy (DC) is a technology present on most modern endoscopes that provides electronic contrast enhancement of the gastrointestinal mucosa. This survey study assessed the frequency of digital chromoendocopy use and perceived barriers to its use among practicing gastroenterologists in Connecticut. DC was used in ten percent or less of endoscopies by the majority of respondents. Lack of training was the most commonly cited barrier to DC use and most desired formal training. Enhancing training opportunities for DC could increase its use.