European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Position Paper on Training in Paediatric Endoscopy

Endoscopy Training is an integral part of paediatric gastroenterology training within Europe as mentioned in the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) training syllabus. National training programmes are often at least partly based on the ESPGHAN syllabus, however, there are a number of countries where endoscopy training is not included in Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (PGHN) training. There is increasing evidence that achievement of milestones in training more accurately assesses competency compared to procedural number. The updated ESPGHAN Syllabus has been approved by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), suggesting that countries with National PGHN society should comply with the syllabus. The ESPGHAN syllabus lists the endoscopic procedures to be fulfilled in order to certify for paediatric gastroenterologist and does not specify procedural volume anymore. A group of experts within the ESPGHAN was tasked to define milestones of competency in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy by the Endoscopy Special Interest Group (SIG). In addition, other areas of possible concern were addressed including the need for 'train the trainers' courses and educational material such as e-learning and endoscopy simulator training. Therefore, this document goes beyond training of PGHN trainees, as it is addressed to training at all stages within PGHN, including training of consultants. Cooperation with the National PGHN Societies in Europe is planned to facilitate implementation and dissemination of results of this position paper.