The Norwegian Gastronet project: Continuous quality improvement of colonoscopy in 14 Norwegian centres

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of gastroenterology 2006-01, Vol.41 (4), p.481-487
• Main Authors: Hoff, Geir, Bretthauer, Michael, Huppertz-Hauss, Gert, Kittang, Eirik, Stallemo, Asbjørn, Høie, Ole, Dahler, Stein, Nyhus, Sverre, Halvorsen, Fred-Arne, Pallenschat, Jens, Vetvik, Kåre, Kristian Sandvei, Per, Friestad, Joachim, Pytte, Reidar, Coll, Peter
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cecum - pathology; Colonoscopy; Colonoscopy - methods; Colonoscopy - standards; Digestive system. Abdomen; Endoscopy; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Medical sciences; Norway; pain; Patient Satisfaction; quality assurance; Quality Assurance, Health Care; Quality of Health Care - standards; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0036-5521; 1502-7708
• DOI: 10.1080/00365520500265208

Objective. The burden on colonoscopy capacity is considerable and expected to increase further as colorectal cancer screening programmes gain a foothold in Europe. In this situation, it is particularly important to evaluate the quality of the service given. In this article we present our first year of experience with a quality network of endoscopy centres in Norway (Gastronet). Material and methods. A questionnaire focusing on caecal intubation rate and pain was completed by the endoscopist (on site) and patient (on the day after the examination). Fourteen centres participated with registration of 7370 colonoscopies by 73 endoscopists. Results. There was 100% endoscopist participation, 87% coverage of colonoscopies and an estimated 76% questionnaire coverage of the patient population. Overall caecal intubation rate was 91%, range 83% to 97% between centres (p