Improving Quality and Safety in the Endoscopy Unit (Virtual) | October 2024-ASGE SGNA QI for GI Endo Units

ASGE SGNA QI for GI Endo Units

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The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has developed guidelines for quality indicators specific to endoscopy units. This initiative was spearheaded by a taskforce comprising gastroenterologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, striving to define and uphold high-quality endoscopy standards in the United States. The focus is on the endoscopy unit itself, as distinct from the actual procedures, which previously lacked specific quality metrics. In the UK, a similar framework, the Global Rating Scale (GRS), demonstrated improvements in service, including reduced wait times and increased patient satisfaction.<br /><br />The ASGE Taskforce identified the need for a comprehensive set of quality indicators for endoscopy units that can guide facilities in the U.S. toward evidence-based care. These indicators cover multiple domains, including patient experience, employee experience, efficiency and operations, procedure-related issues, and safety and infection control.<br /><br />The study, conducted between 2013 and 2014, employed a modified Delphi method to gather expert opinions and achieve consensus on a wide range of potential indicators. From an initial list of 155 indicators, 29 were highlighted as essential to the guidelines, with particular attention to measures considered cross-functional and directly influencing patient outcomes. <br /><br />Priority indicators identified included the establishment of defined leadership structures within units, continuous education and training programs, tracking and monitoring of procedure quality indicators, effective communication of procedure reports to patients and referring providers, and stringent infection control processes.<br /><br />The initiative underscores the necessity of a structured quality improvement framework within endoscopy units, emphasizing leadership, staff involvement, patient-centered care, and high standards of safety and infection control. This comprehensive approach aims to optimize patient outcomes and operational efficiency, serving as a foundational guideline for endoscopy units striving to meet future quality indicators and align performance with broader healthcare goals.

Keywords

ASGE guidelines

endoscopy quality indicators

gastroenterology

patient satisfaction

infection control

Delphi method

leadership structures

continuous education

procedure quality

patient outcomes