Quality in Colonoscopy

Quality metrics in colonoscopy are a growing area of focus given the development of and need for associated reporting and potential financial penalties. Three areas specifically have been identified as important by a multi-society task force, and the evidence behind each has been presented here. These metrics are adenoma detection rate, appropriate screening interval, and cecal intubation rate. Additional factors of interest include bowel preparation cleanliness and endoscope withdrawal time. Multifaceted interventions have been implemented to improve outcomes in colonoscopy with mixed success. Given that there are some quality metrics that have been shown to impact colorectal cancer outcomes, additional research should focus on disseminating these methods in a consistent and effective way across a myriad of practice models and patient populations.