Harmonising Gastroenterology Training: An Analysis of Gastroenterology Training Curricula of the United European Gastroenterology Member Societies
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Gastroenterology is a dynamic speciality that manages a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders. With the rising burden of gastrointestinal diseases, high-quality and standardised training is essential. United European Gastroenterology (UEG) aims to harmonise gastroenterology training across Europe. METHODS: This multicentre observational study analysed national gastroenterology training curricula from 51 UEG national member societies. Between February and December 2024, curricula were obtained via national societies and online resources. Analysis focussed on five domains: (1) clinical core knowledge, (2) technical and procedural skills, (3) research, (4) non-technical competencies and (5) mentoring and assessment structures. RESULTS: Median training duration was 60 months (IQR 48-72). Only 7.1% of curricula allowed part-time training; fewer than 17% permitted early sub-specialisation. Clinical core knowledge: All curricula defined core clinical competencies, including hepatology, upper gastrointestinal disorders, pancreatic and IBD care. Technical and procedural skills: Basic endoscopy was universally required, with a median of 300 gastroscopies and 200 colonoscopies. Advanced procedures featured in 70.0% of curricula, with substantial variation. RESEARCH: Research training appeared in 76.2% of curricula, though structure and depth varied. Non-technical competencies: Non-technical competencies were covered in only 11.9%; communication (64.3%), leadership (26.2%), and professionalism (23.8%) were most common. Areas like shared decision-making, interprofessional collaboration, AI, and sustainability were rarely included. Training, mentoring and assessment frameworks: Training centre and trainer requirements were specified in 26.2% and 23.8% of curricula, respectively. One-third included formal mentoring. Competency-based objectives were present in 78.6% and logbooks in 42.9%. Few used structured tools: EPAs (7.1%), DOPS (9.5%) and Mini-CEX (2.4%). Exams were common; 9.5% used the ESEGH. The UEG Blue Book was cited in 24%. DISCUSSION: Competency-based training is widespread, but structured assessments and non-technical skills are inconsistently addressed. There is a need for minimum training standards and greater curricular alignment across UEG member societies to ensure consistent and high-quality gastroenterology training in Europe.
DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.70127
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,930
Funders: Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave, Aarhus Universitet, Aarhus Universitetshospital, Universidad de Sevilla, Norges Teknisk-Naturvitenskapelige Universitet, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University College London, Universiteit Leiden, Universiteit Maastricht, Semmelweis Egyetem, Ege Üniversitesi, Universität Wien, Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent, Linköpings Universitet, Tel Aviv University, Universiteit Gent, Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum, Università degli Studi di Genova, Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover, Sahlgrenska Universitetssjukhuset, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Medizinische Universität Wien, Radboud Universitair Medisch Centrum, Universität zu Köln, Marmara Üniversitesi, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Universitätsspital Zürich, Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach, Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology, Universitätsklinikum Köln, Uniwersytet Śląski w Katowicach, Lietuvos Sveikatos Mokslų Universitetas, Al-Azhar University, Barts Health NHS Trust, Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen, Biocruces Bizkaia es el Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, NIH Clinical Center
OpenAlex ID: W4415617338