Colonoscopy Quality: Nurses on Par With Physicians

A recent study published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology compared the quality, safety and cost of colonoscopy performed by nurses and physician trainees.

The study found colonoscopy quality and safety to be equivalent between nurses and physician trainees.

Cecal intubation

•    Physicians: 93 percent
•    Nurses: 95 percent

Withdrawal time

•    Physicians: 9.8 minutes
•    Nurses: 10.4 minutes

Adenoma detection rate

•    Physicians: 27 percent
•    Nurses: 27 percent

Complication rate

•    Physicians: 0.5 percent
•    Nurses: 0.5 percent

In the scenario where one gastroenterologist supervised three nurses the personnel costs decreased from $64.65 to $54.58.

The researchers concluded that supervised nurse endoscopists are able to perform colonoscopy in accordance with quality and safety standards. This model may substantially reduce costs.

More Articles on Gastroenterology:
Colonoscopy Prep Quality & Influential Patient Factors
The Biggest Challenges in GI Reimbursement: 3 Gastroenterologists Share Insight
AGA: Important Quality Improvement Dates for Gastroenterologists

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