Quality in endoscopy training—the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography case

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is one of the most advanced therapeutic procedures in gastrointestinal endoscopy. It is highly operator-dependent procedure requiring specific, knowledge-based training in order to achieve competence. Strategies for assessing competency of trainees and those in practice include numbers of procedures performed, and subjective or objective assessment by a mentor or self-assessment by the trainee. However, it is still not clear how to measure the quality in (ERCP) training in an objective and reproducible way, so far. Thus, in this article, we will discuss issues related to training in ERCP and provide experience based discussion on how to best approach and master this complex and risky procedure.