A survey-based analysis on endoscopic quality indicators compliance among Spanish endoscopists

Abstract

Introduction: Endoscopy plays a key role for the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, quality indicators have been widely proposed in order to optimize endo scopic practice. The aims of this study, promoted by the Spanish Society of Digestive Diseases (SEPD), were to assess the knowledge and compliance to endoscopy quality indicators among Spanish gastroenterologists. Methods: A 31-questionnaire survey was created based on the endoscopy quality indicators proposed by international guidelines. The survey was distributed among Spanish gastroenterologists who are members of the society. Using only fully completed surveys, a descriptive analysis was performed. Those factors related with a suboptimal quality performance were also investigated. Results: A total of 1,543 surveys were sent and 281 (18.2%) were received completed. Based on the answers obtained, the management of 14 (70%) out of 20 assessed quality indicators was poor: 5 (83.3%) out of 6 pre-procedure items, 7 (58.3%) out of 12 intra-procedure items and 2 (100%) out of 2 post-procedure items. Young age, public setting, no colorectal cancer (CRC) screening pro gram at the institution and a low volume of procedures/week are fac tors related to poorer management of the assessed quality indicators. Conclusions: A significant proportion of Spanish endosco pists do not comply with main endoscopic quality indicators. Factors such as “young” age, public setting, no colorectal cancer screening program and low volume of procedures/week are related to a poor er management of the assessed quality indicators and should be the target for future formative activities.