Successful applicants to the ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program (EURP) submit a summary of a recently conducted quality improvement (QI) project as part of the application process. The QI project in the spotlight this month looked at its performance relative to meeting endoscope reprocessing guidelines.
On November 16, 2021, a quality improvement study was conducted to determine that all endoscopes are going from end of procedure to high-level disinfection (HLD) within the national guideline of one hour. Data was gathered from EMR platforms measuring the end of procedure time and the time reprocessing began as proven by the (automated endoscope reprocessor) data. A formula was followed to calculate this time, and each staff member had 14 cases analyzed for the data collection. It was proven that each staff member was well under the one-hour time frame from end of procedure to start of HLD. The average time between all staff members was 17 minutes. All staff was 100% compliant with this national standard. No improvement is needed, and we achieved our project goals to prove our excellence.
We hope sharing this project summary will be useful to you and your practice. Learn more about gaining honoree status in the ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program. EURP honoree units may use the ASGE Quality Star logo in promotion of their units, receive premium educational content bimonthly via an exclusive e-newsletter The Huddle, and enjoy a range of additional benefits. Questions should be directed to EURP@asge.org.