Masterclass: EndoQuest - Endoscopy in the GI Unit (On-demand) | September 2025-Fundamentals of the Endoscopy Department

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Jordan S. Hughes, Associate Director of Endoscopy at MD Anderson Cancer Center, presented a comprehensive overview of endoscopy unit fundamentals for nurses and technicians, focusing on procedures, department workflows, patient safety, and infection control. The talk covered types of endoscopic procedures—diagnostic, therapeutic, screening, surveillance, and palliative—and emphasized understanding procedural indications to guide care, anticipate complications, and educate patients. Hughes highlighted the importance of robust staffing models aligned with standards to prevent burnout and maintain efficiency, with staggered shifts and flexible staffing to address volume changes. Regulatory compliance, including emergency preparedness, ventilation, and high-level disinfection per AME ST91 guidelines, was stressed. A 12-week standardized education program was developed to train staff with multimodal learning, hands-on practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve competence and confidence. Efficient workflows—from scheduling to pre-admission testing, intra-procedural safety checks, post-procedure recovery, and follow-up—were detailed to maximize throughput and patient satisfaction. Key operational metrics include cancellation rates, turnaround times, and prep quality. Challenges such as variable institutional support, lack of standardized training for staff, and rigors of device introduction were acknowledged. Hughes answered questions about patient instruction communication, nurse cross-training, educator experience, and procedural preparation, emphasizing a collaborative, well-supported approach to maintaining safe, effective endoscopy services.

Asset Subtitle

Jordan Hughes

Keywords

Endoscopy Unit Fundamentals

Patient Safety

Infection Control

Staffing Models

Regulatory Compliance

Standardized Education Program

Operational Metrics