Optimizing Endoscopic Training: A Comparative Study of Short vs. Long Practice Session

Introduction Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) requires effective training to ensure technical proficiency. Tip-control simulation models are widely used for trainees; however, the optimal training schedule and standardized quality assessment methods remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the optimal training schedule for tip-control training and to pilot a structured assessment tool for performance evaluation. Methods Seventy-three first-year gastroenterology fellows, including the classes of 2024 and 2025, were included. In 2024, trainees self-selected training schedules, retrospectively categorized as short (15–30 minutes) or long (>30–60 minutes) sessions. Based on 2024 results, all trainees in the 2025 validation cohort followed a standardized short-session schedule (15 minutes, four times per week). Tip-control performance was assessed at weeks 2 and 4 using a structured assessment form and task completion time. Competency was defined as completion time <60 seconds with satisfactory performance across all domains. Results In 2024, the long-session group demonstrated higher scores at week 2 (2.7 ± 0.5 vs. 2.3 ± 0.3, p = 0.04). By week 4, the short-session group achieved significantly higher scores (3.6 ± 0.5 vs. 2.7 ± 0.5, p < 0.001) and greater improvement (p < 0.001), supporting selection of short-session training for validation. In 2025, trainees using short sessions demonstrated greater improvement (p = 0.01) and a trend toward higher week-4 scores (p = 0.05), despite less total training time. All trainees achieved competency by week 4. Conclusions Short, frequent training sessions improve tip-control skills more effectively and efficiently than longer sessions, supporting distributed practice in endoscopy training.