Consensus on Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Key Performance Indicators to Reduce Post Endoscopy Upper...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy Quality Improvement
• Cancer Prevention

Background:

• Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy lacks standardized key performance indicators.
• Significant variations in post-endoscopy upper gastrointestinal cancer rates exist among providers.
• There is a critical need to standardize UGI endoscopy practices to improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve consensus on evidence-based key performance indicators (KPIs) for UGI endoscopy.
• To reduce the rates of post-endoscopy upper gastrointestinal cancer.
• To enhance the overall quality of UGI endoscopy procedures.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a modified nominal group technique in consensus workshops.
• Involved clinicians, patients, and relatives, facilitated by the James Lind Alliance.
• Identified potential KPIs from systematic reviews, national cancer rates, and endoscopy practice databases.

Main Results:

• Developed provider-related KPIs: monitoring cancer rates (≤7%), limiting endoscopy list intensity, provider accreditation, and specialized surveillance lists.
• Defined endoscopist/procedure KPIs: minimum examination time (≥7 min), early neoplasia recognition training, mucosal view quality, sedation availability, appropriate biopsy rates, and annual endoscopy volume (>100).

Conclusions:

• A consensus on key performance indicators and minimum standards for UGI endoscopy has been established.
• These indicators aim to improve the quality of UGI endoscopy.
• The ultimate goal is to reduce the incidence of post-endoscopy upper gastrointestinal cancer.