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Sigmoidoscopy training for nurses and resident physicians
1Gastroenterology Section, Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Gastrointestinal nurses can be trained to perform screening sigmoidoscopies safely and effectively. Their proficiency rates and outcomes were comparable to those of resident physicians in this training protocol.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Education
Background:
- Screening sigmoidoscopy is a crucial procedure for colorectal cancer detection.
- Training healthcare professionals for endoscopic procedures is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the proficiency of gastrointestinal nurses in performing screening sigmoidoscopies.
- To compare nurse-performed sigmoidoscopies with those performed by resident physicians.
Main Methods:
- A training protocol was developed for nurses and resident physicians.
- Patients were randomized to have procedures performed by either a nurse or a resident.
- Proficiency was assessed using objective (insertion depth, time, landmark/lesion identification) and subjective criteria.
Main Results:
- Four out of five nurses and all resident physicians achieved proficiency after a mean of 20 procedures.
- One registered nurse did not achieve proficiency based on subjective criteria after 35 procedures.
- Insertion depth and anatomy identification improved with experience; 1.4% of lesions were missed with no complications.
Conclusions:
- Nurses can be trained to perform screening sigmoidoscopies safely and effectively.
- Nurse-performed screening sigmoidoscopy outcomes are similar to those of physicians.
- This study supports expanding the role of nurses in endoscopic procedures.