GI Unit Leadership: Optimizing Endoscopy Operations through Leadership (On-demand) | February 2025-ASGE guideline

ASGE guideline_privileging credentialing proctoring

Pdf Summary

The document outlines guidelines for privileging, credentialing, and proctoring in the practice of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, as prepared by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). The primary objective is to ensure high-quality patient care and safety. These guidelines assist credentialing organizations in establishing policies for granting and renewing endoscopic privileges, even extending to newly developed procedures.<br /><br />Key aspects include definitions and standards for competency, which emphasize adequate training and credentialing specific to each endoscopic category. Recommendations suggest using objective criteria for assessing competency, arguing the insufficiency of arbitrary thresholds of procedure numbers as sole indicators of competence.<br /><br />Credentialing begins post-training in a recognized GI endoscopy program, with the endoscopist's competence being judged on procedural capability, knowledge base, training, and experience. Specific procedural minimums are prescribed for assorted endoscopic techniques (e.g., 130 upper endoscopies).<br /><br />The guidelines also stress the uniform application of endoscopic standards across medical specialties and suggest independent privileging for each procedure type. Proctoring is highlighted as a critical component of the credentialing process, reinforcing the role of proctors as unbiased evaluators who assist in credentialing decisions based on observed competency.<br /><br />Emerging technologies and new skills are discussed, where procedures are categorized as minor or major skills, with the latter requiring more formalized training due to increased complexity.<br /><br />Finally, recredentialing and renewal of privileges occur every 2-3 years, with institutions required to develop processes ensuring ongoing competency. Recommendations advocate for mechanisms addressing insufficient competency, potentially through additional training or limitations on privileges. The guidelines are subject to future revisions to incorporate advancements in technology and new data.

Keywords

privileging

credentialing

proctoring

gastrointestinal endoscopy

ASGE guidelines

patient care

competency standards

training requirements

procedural minimums

emerging technologies