Nurses working in GI and endoscopic practice: a review

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology Nursing
• Endoscopic Procedures
• Healthcare Professional Roles

Background:

• Nurses are increasingly undertaking advanced tasks and procedures traditionally performed by physicians.
• This trend is particularly notable in the field of gastrointestinal (GI) care and endoscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the types of GI care and endoscopic procedures currently performed by nurses.
• To evaluate the existing evidence on the benefits and outcomes of these nursing activities.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of published literature was conducted.
• Studies focused on nurses' involvement in various GI and endoscopic practices were identified and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Nineteen studies evaluated nurses' performance in procedures like flexible sigmoidoscopy, upper endoscopy, EUS, capsule endoscopy, and PEG placement.
• Nurses performed these procedures accurately and safely, managed follow-up for chronic GI conditions effectively, and contributed to patient satisfaction.
• Evidence suggests potential cost reductions when nurses perform certain procedures and evaluations compared to physicians.

Conclusions:

• The findings support the expanded role of nurses in diagnostic endoscopy and the management of patients with chronic GI disorders.
• Further randomized controlled trials are recommended to compare nursing-led care with gastroenterologist care regarding medical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness.