Exploring the nurse endoscopist role: a qualitative approach.

Background: Previously, gastrointestinal endoscopy was undertaken only by medical staff. The nurse endoscopist role has recently been developed and is now in great demand. Barriers and facilitators are identified in similar nursing roles, though little research has been undertaken on the nurse endoscopist role.

Aim: To examine perceptions of UK nurse endoscopists regarding their experience of the role. This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with eight UK nurse endoscopists. Data gained were analyzed qualitatively. The following categories emerged: role structure, collaboration, experience, and education and training.

Results: The 'role structure' category showed that patient services were better where the nurse endoscopist role encompassed a more holistic approach. In the 'collaboration' category, the importance of relations with medical, nursing and management colleagues was observed. It was found that nurse endoscopists may be providing an inferior service due to being given lower priority than medical endoscopists. The 'experience' category showed nurse endoscopists valued their nursing experience, while specific endoscopy nursing experience prior to becoming an endoscopist was also useful. The 'education' category showed that degree-level education and training were important when accessed, in addition to prescribing courses.

Conclusion: Nurses undertaking endoscopy have potentially satisfying roles, which allow them to perform effectively. The roles should be planned adequately and practitioners should receive appropriate degree-level education. Furthermore, patients should receive equitable treatment regardless of which profession undertakes the endoscopy.