Improving Quality and Safety in the Endoscopy Unit (Virtual) | November 2025-Defining and Measuring Quality in ERCP and EUS

Pdf Summary

This presentation by Dr. Jessica Yu focuses on defining and measuring quality in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) procedures. High-quality ERCP and EUS procedures combine cognitive and technical excellence, emphasizing the importance of correct indications, accurate diagnoses, appropriate therapy, and minimizing patient risk.<br /><br />Key principles for ensuring quality include performing procedures for the right indications in the right patients, using a well-trained multidisciplinary team, employing appropriate equipment, following standardized protocols, and maintaining clear communication with the team and patients. Quality indicators are evidence-based, standardized measures categorized into pre-, intra-, and post-procedure phases. These indicators serve as a framework for continuous quality improvement and include both process and outcome measures, with stringent targets such as a 98% "never event" goal.<br /><br />For EUS, quality metrics focus on appropriate therapeutic indications, informed consent processes (which should be thorough and tailored to patient risks), antibiotic prophylaxis, and intraprocedural and post-procedure indicators. Similarly, ERCP quality metrics involve appropriate indications, intraprocedural strategies including prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis, mastering tools and rescue techniques, and post-procedure assessments. ERCP complexity grading guides expectations for success and helps define procedural limits.<br /><br />The summary emphasizes a team-based approach that integrates cognitive reasoning and technical skill, ensuring the right indication and appropriate team competencies. It highlights the need for measuring quality metrics, providing feedback, and fostering a culture led by quality champions to promote safety and efficacy in therapeutic endoscopy.<br /><br />Overall, Dr. Yu advocates for systematic quality measurement and continuous improvement in ERCP and EUS to optimize patient outcomes and procedural safety.

Asset Subtitle

Jessica X. Yu, MD, MS

Keywords

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

ERCP quality

Endoscopic Ultrasound

EUS quality

Quality indicators

Procedure safety

Multidisciplinary team

Therapeutic endoscopy

Post-ERCP pancreatitis prevention

Continuous quality improvement