QUALITY INDICATORS

Effective colonoscopy includes careful and thorough mucosal inspection in order to prevent colon cancer and reduce cancer mortality. Defining measurements and identifying quality standards in the delivery of care is a major priority for the nation’s leading gastrointestinal endoscopic healthcare association.

As outlined in the documents published by American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), quality indicators have been identified to measure the performance of colonoscopy in order to achieve better outcomes.

The following are those identified measures and the results from Atherton Endoscopy:

  1. Cecum Intubation Rate: this is the percentage of time the physician has completed the colonoscopy all the way through the colon.The most recent Cecum Intubation Rate for screening colonoscopies at Atherton Endoscopy Center is 99.5%
  2. Adenoma Detection Rate: this is the percentage of time that at least one polyp is found during screening colonoscopies. When the rate falls below 20 percent the risk of colorectal cancer being diagnosed within the next five years goes up significantly.The current standard rate is at least 30% in men and 20% in womenCurrently for the year 2015, the Adenoma Detection Rate at Atherton Endoscopy Center is 51% for men and 39% for women.
  3. Withdrawal Time: This is average it takes for the scope to be withdrawn after reaching the cecum. A higher Adenoma Detection Rate is related to longer withdrawal times. ASGE recommends a minimum of 6 minute average withdrawal time.We monitor this quarterly and consistently exceed the standard.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

In addition to maintaining ASGE quality standards we are dedicated to providing the utmost of quality of care and comfort to our patients at Atherton Endoscopy. We have in place a Quality Improvement Program to ensure that commitment. With these results and comments from our patients we continue to maintain that high quality of care.

Included in this program:

  1. GIQuIC: A nationally based program that collects data in a systematic method and used to measure the quality of endoscopy practices.
    These measures include:

    • Cecal Intubation Rate
    • Adenoma Detection Rate
    • Withdrawal Time

    Many additional metrics are followed and tracked as well.

  2. Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system: EMR provides the benefits of having all health information stored in one place. EMR gives a complete picture of your health care in a secure setting designed for easy access by your physician. Quality review is completed quarterly at our Center for accuracy.
  3. Peer Review: The physicians review each other’s charts for quality and continuum of care.
  4. Infection Control: Continual audits, surveillance, analysis and quality reviews assure that patient safety is in accordance of all guidelines. In addition to Standard Precautions, included are monitoring of Hand Hygiene, Equipment and Device Reprocessing, Safe Injection Practices , and Environmental Services Compliance.
  5. Patient Satisfaction: Patient satisfaction surveys are given to all patients. They are reviewed quarterly by the Medical Director and Quality Improvement Committee. Patient comments and suggestions assist us in continuing to provide the highest quality of care. Currently, 99% of patients would refer our facility to a friend.
  6. Participate in ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recogmition Program: Commitment to quality and safety
  7. Participated in AHRQ Safety Program for Ambulatory Surgery: A national patient safety improvement collaborative for ambulatory surgery centers. Focus on promoting a culture of safety.