Quality assurance and gastrointestinal endoscopy: an audit of 500 colonoscopic procedures.

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of colonoscopic procedures in our endoscopy unit with the goal of improving performance.

Methods: We prospectively audited 500 consecutive colonoscopic procedures and assessed sixty-two process or outcome indicators for each procedure.

Results: Most of the measured indicators were within standard limits: cecal intubation rate (92%), inadequate bowel preparations (24%), inappropriate procedures (9.

[Two years of mortality and morbidity conferences in a hospital gastrointestinal endoscopy unit].

Unlabelled: Mortality and morbidity conferences (M & MC) are designed to establish a collegial analysis of all complications in order to define their cause, assess avoidability and propose corrective measures aimed at preventing recurrence of the same kind of complications.

Aim: The aim of this study was to report the results of a quality improvement program focused on the complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy in a hospital endoscopy unit.

Methods: From 1/7/1999 to 30/6/2001, the complications of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures were systematically and prospectively recorded and then retrospectively analysed during monthly M & MC.

[Informed consent for gastrointestinal endoscopy. A patient-opinion survey].

Aim: Written consent is not advised in France because it is thought it may alter the patient's trust in his/her doctor. Our aim was to elaborate a consent form for gastrointestinal endoscopy and to assess the patient's opinion concerning the written consent process.

Methods: Seven health professionals and seven patients or users elaborated a consent form and a list of 24 questions about the written consent process.