[Quality Assurance of Screening Colonoscopy in Austria and Europe]

Screening colonoscopy, an efficient tool for reducing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer, is only effective if it is performed under high quality standards. The European Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has identified the following key performance measures for screening: adenoma detection rate, cecal intubation rate, and adequate bowel preparation rate. The Quality Certificate for Colorectal Cancer Screening-which was launched as a quality assurance program on a voluntary basis by the Austrian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology together with the umbrella organization of Austrian social insurance carriers and the Austrian Cancer Aid for endoscopists throughout Austria-monitors these quality parameters. The aim is to achieve the highest standards of colorectal cancer screening in order to achieve the best outcomes for patients. Interest in quality-assured screening colonoscopy is also high throughout Europe: many countries, e.g., the Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom, have programs to monitor and improve the quality of screening.