Training the Trainers: EUCanScreen’s Colonoscopy Courses Reach Halfway Point

As part of Work Package 11.3, EUCanScreen is organising four “Train Colonoscopy Trainers” courses across Europe, designed to build the specialised expertise needed to deliver high-quality colonoscopy screening. Two of the four courses have already taken place, both accredited by UEMS/EACCME.

The first course was held in Oslo, Norway, on 5–6 March 2026, bringing together six participants from Latvia, Slovakia, Sweden, Finland, Italy, and Moldova. The course was a success, establishing an early model for how these intensive, hands-on training sessions could be delivered.

The second course took place in Warsaw, on 4–5 September 2026, with nine participants from Spain (2), Austria (2), Latvia, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, and Lithuania. The course was supported by five faculty members — three from Norway and two from Poland. Work is currently underway on participant reimbursement and cost evaluation.

With two courses now completed, the team has developed a clear understanding of what such training requires. On the technical side, this includes endoscopic training equipment, colon models, and Scope-Guides, alongside two functioning endoscopy rooms and audiovisual equipment capable of transmitting live voice and video signals from both rooms to two smaller lecture halls — enabling real-time interactivity between participants and faculty. On the human side, the courses depend on trained personnel, including nurses and beginner colonoscopists, as well as a number of patients who require colonoscopy and are willing to undergo the examination without sedation as part of the live teaching format. Organising a course of this kind is demanding, involving many additional logistical and clinical considerations — but the experience gained from the first two editions has significantly strengthened the team’s capacity to deliver the remaining courses.

Two further courses are already planned: one in Riga, on 27–28 January 2027, and another in Reggio Emilia, Italy, on 14–15 April 2027. Preparations are already underway, as accreditation applications need to be submitted soon, and participant recruitment must begin shortly to meet the course timelines.