Optimizing ergonomics during endoscopy training

The quality of the endoscopy training varies greatly around the world. Some of this variation may be due to a lack of conscious competence of the trainer, but also the lack of appreciation of how early ergonomic training can influence learning and skills acquisition for the trainee. Ergonomics can either facilitate or negatively impact performance during training and influence potential in independent practice.

This chapter focuses on the importance of human factors and ergonomics training to the early endoscopist to optimizing patient outcomes and minimizing risk to the endoscopist. Effective training requires preparation and structure; an educational contract helps create this. Integral to this is ensuring that the agendas of both trainer and the trainee are aligned, along with an approach to the development of realistic learning objectives. These principles are covered in addition to exploring the methods of teaching optimal scope handling. Trainee progression is linked to effective, performance-enhancing feedback. A pragmatic approach to providing effective feedback is suggested.