Inpatient education for fiberoptic/videoptic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for gastroenterology

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the educational needs of the inpatient undergoing gastroenterology or pulmonary diagnostics or therapeutics using fiberoptic or videoptic technology. This study provided a mechanism to increase nursing, patient and family understanding of fiberoptic/videoptics diagnostics and treatment modalities. Interviews and surveys were used to evaluate the educational preparation of inpatients. These data revealed a significant difference in the educational preparation of inpatients compared to outpatients, which was a concern for quality standards in the preparation of gastroenterology/bronchoscopy patients. Teaching methods and tools were implemented in the inpatient environment with a measurable increase in patient preparation for gastroenterology/bronchoscopy procedures. This article will outline the findings, implementation methods and outcomes reported in a procedural gastroenterology laboratory performing approximately 2,000 procedures per year.