Quality indicators for esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Abstract

(Am J Gastroenterol 2006;101:886‐891) Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is one of the most commonly performed endoscopic procedures. Properly performed, it provides valuable information in patients with upper gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. Additionally, therapeutic EGD forms the mainstay of treatment for upper GI bleeding and for dilation or stenting of benign and malignant strictures. In this article, the task force has identified a set of quality indicators that are particular to diagnostic EGD and to therapeutic maneuvers that may be carried out during this procedure. The levels of evidence supporting these quality indicators were graded according to Table 1. PREPROCEDURE QUALITY INDICATORS The preprocedure period includes all contacts between the endoscopist, the endoscopy nurse, and the unit staff with the patient before administration of sedation or insertion of the endoscope. Common issues for all endoscopic procedures during this period include proper indication, patient consent for the procedure, patient clinical status and risk assessment, steps to reduce risk such as through the use of prophylactic antibiotics, management of anticoagulants, and timeliness in the performance of the procedure. Preprocedure indicators and discussion specific to the performance of EGD include the following: 1. Accepted indication(s) are provided before performance of EGD.