Development of a surgical endoscopy database for quality assurance

In view of the current incorporation of gastrointestinal endoscopy within surgical residency programs and therefore increased performance of these procedures by surgeons, it is appropriate to devise an effective database which allows retrieval of pertinent information for quality assurance (QA) and utilization review (UR) programs. During the development of two complete surgical endoscopy teaching programs, the QA process has been extensively analyzed for the minimal essential information required to perform QA in compliance with regulations of JCAHO and other reviewing authorities. Over the previous five years this information has been gathered on 3098 patients and incorporated into a database which allows for review of the medical record and the endoscopy unit record for QA and UR. Although the data were entered into a computerized database program for ease of data retrieval and analysis, this information can be complied by the "stubby pencil" method in paper files or log books. The QA process is integrated as part of the general surgery QA, not under a separate endoscopy committee. Results demonstrate that the minimal essential data for the medical record included: patient identification data, endoscopist, procedure, additional procedures, medications, indications, preoperative diagnosis, description of procedure, findings, tissue obtained, complications, final diagnosis, and discharge planning. The endoscopy unit record contained: patient identification, endoscopist, procedure, tissue obtained, and suite complications. From these data elements, complete QA was performed and included: completeness of documentation, appropriate indications, complications, endoscopic versus pathologic diagnosis, and unsuccessful procedures. Utilization review included: number of normal procedures, benefits of screening and surveillance procedures, and appropriateness of preoperative evaluation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)