Quality and Safety in Endoscopy Units Around the Globe (On-Demand) | 2023-Guideline

Guideline_ASGE Guidelines for Safety

Pdf Summary

The document highlights the importance of safety in the gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy unit, particularly in relation to infection control and patient safety. It acknowledges that while there have been previous guidelines published on staff, sedation, infection control, and endoscope reprocessing, this document aims to provide recommendations for implementing and prioritizing safety efforts in endoscopy units.<br /><br />The document addresses several key issues related to safety in the GI endoscopy unit. It highlights the need for structural requirements for endoscopy units that differ from those for sterile operating rooms, as they do not use the same equipment or have the same number of staff. It also recommends a written policy on traffic patterns in the endoscopy unit, defining low-risk and high-risk exposure areas and activities. Staff engaged in direct patient care during the procedure should wear gloves and impervious gowns, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when necessary.<br /><br />The document also covers supervision of moderate sedation, role of capnography, staffing requirements for sedation and monitoring by anesthesia personnel, technical capabilities of technicians, and infection control procedures. It emphasizes the importance of proper hand hygiene, use of PPE, safe medication administration practices, and safe handling of potentially contaminated equipment or surfaces.<br /><br />In terms of staffing, the document outlines minimum safe staffing requirements for endoscopy units based on the level of sedation targeted and the complexity of the procedure. It also highlights the need for training and competency assessment of staff involved in sedation and endoscopic procedures.<br /><br />Overall, the document provides comprehensive guidelines for ensuring safety in the GI endoscopy unit, covering a range of areas including infection control, staff training, and procedural requirements. By following these recommendations, endoscopy units can improve patient safety and reduce the risk of infection and other adverse events.

Keywords

safety

gastrointestinal endoscopy unit

infection control

patient safety

guidelines

structural requirements

traffic patterns

personal protective equipment

sedation

staffing requirements