Methodological framework for development of competence standards for optical diagnosis in gastrointestinal endoscopy: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Position Statement

Authors: Britt B. S. L. Houwen, Cesare Hassan, Yark Hazewinkel, Jasper L. A. Vleugels, Veerle Mario Dinis-Ribeiro, Marjolein J. E. Greuter, M. H. Coupé,  Evelien Dekker, Raf Bisschops.

The importance of defining standards for optical diagnosis

Optical diagnosis has an increasingly important role in current endoscopy practice because of the development of advanced imaging techniques and breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI). Accurate optical diagnosis is an important skill to guide clinical decisions in endoscopy [1]. Accurate optical diagnosis helps in choosing the appropriate resection method and surveillance interval, thereby avoiding under- and over-treatment, and saving costs. ESGE has developed a core curriculum for optical diagnosis practice across Europe for high quality optical diagnosis training [1, 2]. The development of easy-to-measure competence standards that are focused on the clinical consequences of optical diagnosis could help to optimize clinical management in gastrointestinal endoscopy.