Simulation Based Team Training of Endoscopy Staff May Improve Patients' Perception of Colonoscopy

The study was carried out in a surgical department, where colonoscopies were performed on an out-patient basis under minimal sedation. The intervention consisted of a simulation based course for endoscopy staff. All endoscopy nurses and doctors participated (n=43). The course consisted of three short lectures followed by simulation training. The lectures dealt with technical aspects of colonoscopy, usage of medication and management of unexpected emergency events during the procedure, and finally with interprofessional teamwork and team communication. The lectures were followed by in situ simulation in an endoscopy room. For 2 months before and after the course a questionnaire based survey was carried out. The respondents were consecutive patients who had undergone colonoscopy under minimal sedation or no sedation (according to their own preference ). The questionnaire was filled out when the patient was fully recovered after sedation and ready to go home. The relevant nursing staff and doctor for the procedure also filled out their part of the questionnaire. Patients were invited to participate and gave written consent after oral and written information according to the Helsinki declaration .