GI Unit Leadership: Shaping a High-Performing Endoscopy Unit (On-Demand) | February 2026-ASGE SGNA quality indicators

ASGE SGNA quality indicators_GI endo units

Pdf Summary

This guideline by the ASGE Endoscopy Unit Quality Indicator Taskforce establishes the first comprehensive framework of quality indicators for gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy units in the United States. Recognizing a lack of standardized, evidence-based quality measures at the endoscopy unit level, the taskforce developed and reached consensus on a broad set of indicators across five domains: patient experience, employee experience, efficiency and operations, procedure-related processes, and safety and infection control.<br /><br />The methodology involved a systematic literature review and expert input from 16 diverse GI professionals, subdivided into five working groups corresponding to the domains. Through a modified Delphi process, 155 potential quality indicators were evaluated by over 100 respondents including physicians, nurses, and administrators. Ultimately, 29 highly rated indicators were selected representing key priorities for quality assessment.<br /><br />Key findings include identification of quality indicators such as structured leadership, regular staff education and training, comprehensive procedure quality monitoring, effective communication of procedure results to patients and referring providers, and rigorous tracking of endoscope usage and reprocessing. The guideline highlights patient-centered communication, informed consent processes, employee empowerment, operational efficiency, and infection control policies as critical to high-quality care.<br /><br />Five priority indicators were emphasized for immediate implementation due to their established links with improved patient outcomes and consensus on performance variability:<br /><br />1. Defined leadership structure for the endoscopy unit.<br />2. Ongoing education and quality improvement programs for staff.<br />3. Recording and monitoring of procedure quality indicators.<br />4. Communication of procedure reports to referring physicians and patients.<br />5. Tracking endoscope usage and reprocessing to ensure safety.<br /><br />While most indicators focused on process and structural measures with limited outcomes data, the guideline calls for future research to validate and refine these measures and develop benchmarking tools. Limitations include a moderate response rate and lack of direct patient or payer participation.<br /><br />In conclusion, this guideline provides a foundational set of quality indicators to help U.S. endoscopy units systematically assess and enhance performance, improve patient safety and experience, and guide future quality improvement efforts in GI endoscopy services.

Keywords

ASGE Endoscopy Unit

quality indicators

gastrointestinal endoscopy

patient experience

employee experience

efficiency and operations

procedure-related processes

safety and infection control

Delphi process

quality improvement