Since Medicare approved reimbursement for colonoscopy, gastrointestinal endoscopy suites across the country have been overwhelmed with an increasing number of requests for this procedure. In January 2003, our endoscopy suite had a colonoscopy wait list of over 2,400 patients, but no systematic way to manage this list. The lack of published guidelines within our clinic to determine the appropriateness of the colonoscopy order and the lack of a system for reviewing colonoscopy requirements both contributed to the long waiting list. Using a team approach, we determined the true wait list volume and took immediate action to reduce the wait list, with the long term goal of providing patients with immediate access to colonoscopy appointments. We developed Guidelines for Colon Cancer Screening and Surveillance by Colonoscopy for Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, then set forth to educate referring physicians about the recommended guidelines. We created a triage process to avoid inappropriate colonoscopy requests and to review future requests for colonoscopy appointments as they were made.

Section Description

We are pleased to present the Abstracts from the SGNA's 32nd Annual Course: Passion for GI Nursing: Pass It On!! The diversity of these topics certainly reflects the richness and breadth of our specialty. In keeping with the tradition of the Annual Course, we hope the following abstracts will encourage discussions for improving nursing practice and patient care outcomes.