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Nurse endoscopist training: the next step
1Gastroenterology Associates of North Texas, 1201 Summit Avenue, Suite 500, Fort Worth, TX 76102, USA. sprout@flash.net
Summary
Nurses can safely and efficiently perform flexible sigmoidoscopy, a physician role. Standardized training programs and objective criteria are needed to advance nurse-led endoscopy and gain broader medical acceptance.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Nursing Practice
- Medical Education
Background:
- Nurses have performed flexible sigmoidoscopy since the 1970s.
- Numerous studies confirm nurses' safe and efficient performance of this procedure.
- Professional organizations endorse nurses in this expanded role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for defined training programs for nurse endoscopists.
- To address discrepancies in current training literature.
- To advocate for objective criteria and clinical competencies in nurse endoscopy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing medical and nursing literature on nurse endoscopists.
- Analysis of endorsed practices by professional societies.
- Identification of gaps in standardized training protocols.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports nurses' capability in performing flexible sigmoidoscopy.
- Lack of standardized training programs for nurse endoscopists identified.
- Discrepancies exist in reported training methods for non-physician endoscopists.
Conclusions:
- Establishing objective criteria and clinical competencies is crucial for nurse endoscopists.
- Standardized training will facilitate broader acceptance by the medical community and public.
- Nurses are poised to lead in defining and overseeing their role in endoscopy.