Improving Quality and Safety in the Endoscopy Unit (On-Demand) | August 2023-Guideline

Guideline_ASGE guidelines for safety

Pdf Summary

This document provides guidelines for safety in the gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy unit. The focus of safety in GI endoscopy units has historically been on infection control, specifically the reprocessing of endoscopes. However, recent outbreaks have highlighted the need to address potential gaps in the endoscopy care continuum that could impact patient safety. The document presents recommendations for implementing and prioritizing safety efforts in endoscopy units, with a focus on evidence-based guidelines. The document covers a range of topics including structural requirements, traffic patterns, personal protective equipment (PPE), supervision of sedation, role of capnography, staffing requirements, and infection control. Recommendations include using standard 36-inch doors and rooms sizes of at least 180 square feet for endoscopy units, defining low-risk and high-risk exposure areas within the unit, wearing gloves and impervious gowns during procedures, allowing moderate sedation to be administered by non-anesthesia physicians, and having specific guidelines for endoscopic recovery areas and supply storage. The document also emphasizes the importance of proper hand hygiene, safe medication administration practices, and safe handling of potentially contaminated equipment or surfaces. It provides recommendations for patient monitoring and emergency management during sedation, as well as guidelines for the reprocessing of reusable medical equipment. The guidelines are intended to promote patient safety and improve outcomes in GI endoscopy units.

Keywords

safety

gastrointestinal endoscopy unit

infection control

patient safety

evidence-based guidelines

sedation supervision

personal protective equipment

endoscopic recovery areas

hand hygiene

reprocessing of reusable medical equipment