Triaging advanced GI endoscopy procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic: consensus recommendations using the Delphi...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy
• Public Health

Background:

• Lack of consensus exists regarding the appropriate timing of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Determining which procedures can be safely deferred is crucial to minimize patient risk and optimize resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish expert consensus on the timing of common advanced GI endoscopic procedures.
• To develop a framework for decision-making as endoscopy services resume.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi method was employed with 14 expert endoscopists.
• 41 common indications for advanced endoscopy were categorized into time-sensitive emergent, urgent, or non-time sensitive based on patient-important outcomes.

Main Results:

• Consensus on patient-important outcomes was achieved for all 41 indications.
• Procedural timing was stratified for 40 of 41 indications with high consensus (≥66.7%).
• Full consensus (100%) was reached for 12 indications, and 75-99% consensus for 20 indications.

Conclusions:

• Consensus recommendations for advanced endoscopy procedural timing were developed using a Modified Delphi method prioritizing patient outcomes.
• The study provides a structured decision framework to guide endoscopy service reopening.