Validation of the Global Rating Scale for endoscopy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• The Global Rating Scale (GRS) is a web-based tool to assess endoscopy service quality.
• The GRS was initially developed based on health professionals' perspectives.
• Patient validation of the GRS was previously lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the Global Rating Scale (GRS) using patient perspectives.
• To assess if the GRS adequately covers patient-important quality aspects of endoscopy services.

Main Methods:

• Six focus groups were conducted with 26 patients recently experiencing endoscopy services.
• Focus groups were held across five different Health Board areas in Scotland.
• Qualitative data on patient experiences and opinions were collected.

Main Results:

• Patient feedback indicated the 12 items of the GRS encompassed all aspects of their endoscopy experience.
• No significant patient concerns were identified that were outside the scope of the GRS.
• The GRS was found to address quality issues of importance to patients.

Conclusions:

• The Global Rating Scale (GRS) effectively addresses quality issues that matter to patients undergoing endoscopy.
• Patient validation supports the use of the GRS as a tool for assessing endoscopy service quality.