A national survey of ERCP training in China

Objective To investigate the current popularity of ERCP training in China. Methods A questionnaire-based survey was performed on a professional survey website. A total of 48 questions were designed, including personal information, training information, current status of ERCP performance and suggestions to ERCP training. The questionnaire was completed anonymously by physicians who fulfilled full-time ERCP training in any Chinese endoscopy center for at least 1 year before. Results A total of 464 physicians, from all the regions of mainland China, among which 362 people completed all the questions. More than two thirds trainees thought that they had got fruitful training and 27.4% trainees had their ERCP volumes greatly increased and 64.3% trainees increased practice. According to related index, the physicians who were competent in routine ERCP performance were 84.5%, with outstanding operators of 12.2%. Conclusion China has made great progress in the training program of ERCP technique in recent decades, but problems still remain such as various admission standard, insufficient training duration, incomprehensive program, as well as lack of evaluation and follow-up system. Key words: Cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic retrograde; Training; China