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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Structured Approach to Colonoscopy Technique Optimization: A Single-Center Experience with Novice Endoscopists

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Published on: July 11, 2025

Colonoscopy training for nurse endoscopists: a feasibility study.

Jan J Koornstra¹, Sietske Corporaal, Wiesje M Giezen-Beintema

¹Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands. j.j.koornstra@int.umcg.nl

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

|March 3, 2009

Summary

Nurse endoscopists can be effectively trained to perform colonoscopies, achieving comparable results to gastroenterology fellows. This training program indicates that 150 procedures are necessary for nurses to perform independent colonoscopies.

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E-Patient Counseling Trial (E-PACO): Computer Based Education versus Nurse Counseling for Patients to Prepare for Colonoscopy

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Published on: August 1, 2019

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Medical Education
Nursing Practice

Background:

Colonoscopy screening is vital for colorectal cancer prevention.
A shortage of medical endoscopists necessitates exploring alternative healthcare providers.
Nurse endoscopists offer a potential economic solution for increasing screening access.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and assess the feasibility of a colonoscopy training program for nurse endoscopists.
To compare the competency of trained nurse endoscopists with gastroenterology fellows.

Main Methods:

A prospective, single-center study involving two nurse endoscopists and one GI fellow.
Training included simulator use, flexible sigmoidoscopies, and supervised colonoscopies.
Competency was evaluated based on diagnostic accuracy, cecal intubation rates/time, assistance needed, complications, and patient-reported outcomes over 150 procedures per trainee.

Main Results:

Nurse endoscopists achieved a 96% unassisted cecal intubation rate by the end of training.
Cecal intubation times and rates were comparable between nurse trainees and the GI fellow.
Patients reported low pain/discomfort and high satisfaction; complication rates were low (0.3%).

Conclusions:

Nurses can be effectively trained to perform colonoscopies with outcomes similar to GI fellows.
A learning curve of 150 procedures is suggested before independent practice.
This pilot study supports the role of nurse endoscopists in colorectal cancer screening.