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[The nurse as endoscopist]
Knud Thygesen Nielsen1, Sonja Langer, Rikke Neumann
1Randers Centralsygehus, Organkirurgisk Afdeling, Endoskopisk Afsnit, Randers.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|September 15, 2005
Summary
Danish nurses can perform flexible sigmoidoscopy with high patient satisfaction after a structured training program. This approach addresses the declining number of endoscopists, offering a viable solution for colorectal cancer screening.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Education
- Nursing Practice
Background:
- Colorectal cancer diagnosis increasingly relies on flexible sigmoidoscopy.
- A declining number of endoscopists necessitates alternative healthcare professionals for endoscopic procedures.
- This study introduces a novel endoscopy training program for nurses in Denmark.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and evaluate an endoscopy training program for nurses.
- To assess the feasibility and outcomes of nurses performing flexible sigmoidoscopy.
- To compare patient satisfaction between nurses and doctors performing sigmoidoscopy.
Main Methods:
- Two nurses completed a five-module training program with tests and simulator sessions.
- Nurses performed a minimum of 100 sigmoidoscopies.
- Patient satisfaction questionnaires and technical data were collected over three months.
Main Results:
- Nurses performed 69 sigmoidoscopies, with 88% reaching the target lumen.
- Successful sigmoid intubation was achieved in all cases, with a median examination time of 25 minutes.
- No significant pathology was misdiagnosed, and patients reported less pain with nurses compared to doctors.
Conclusions:
- The nurse endoscopy training program was successfully completed.
- Nurses achieved endoscopic skills comparable to doctors, particularly in patient satisfaction.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy can be performed to a high standard by trained nurses, though significant teaching and supervision are required.