[How do we ensure quality in endoscopy?]

With the increasing number of endoscopic examinations, the requirements for safety, hygiene and diagnostic precision are also growing. Quality assurance in endoscopy is of crucial importance not only to meet legal requirements but also to improve patient care. The current S2k guidelines for gastrointestinal endoscopy have brought this topic further into focus.

The aim of this study is to examine the various dimensions of quality in endoscopy, in particular structural, procedural and outcome quality and to investigate the practical challenges of quality assurance using exemplary procedures.

A literature search was carried out to identify relevant studies, meta-analyses and guidelines.

Quality in endoscopy can be measured using various instruments. Ensuring high quality in endoscopy requires systematic evaluation of quality indicators, structured training and continuing education for endoscopists and the development of specialized centers.

Innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and green endoscopy offer potential for improvement but also raise questions regarding data quality and ethical responsibility. Continuous updating of guidelines and the integration of new scientific findings are crucial for quality improvement in endoscopy.