Accredited Endoscopy Unit Program of Korea: Overview and Qualification

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy Quality Improvement
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy established the Accredited Endoscopy Unit Program in 2012.
• The program aimed to enhance endoscopy unit quality through systematic quality management.
• Initial implementation involved training hospitals and expanded to institutions with over 100 beds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise and update the certification criteria for the Accredited Endoscopy Unit Program.
• To enhance the quality and safety standards of endoscopy units in Korea.
• To incorporate feedback and adapt criteria to institutional realities.

Main Methods:

• Continuous communication and feedback collection from participating institutions.
• Revision of certification criteria based on gathered feedback and evolving standards.
• Introduction of revised criteria in 2019 covering six key areas.

Main Results:

• Revised criteria include qualifications for doctors and nurses, facilities, examination processes, performance metrics, disinfection/infection control, and endoscopic sedation.
• Assessment items were categorized into essential and recommended, with all essential items required for accreditation.
• Updated assessment criteria focused on upgrading standards, reinforcing endoscopist qualifications and education, detailing safety and management protocols, and introducing new performance measurements.

Conclusions:

• The revised Accredited Endoscopy Unit Program criteria provide a more robust framework for quality management in endoscopy units.
• The updated standards aim to ensure higher levels of safety, efficiency, and patient care in endoscopic procedures.
• Continuous improvement through feedback and revised criteria is key to maintaining high-quality endoscopy services.