ELIZA PERKINS discusses the issues surrounding the significant health economic benefits of endoscopy screening. She highlights how early detection is the best clinical solution for patients and offers a significant aid in reducing long-term costs to the NHS.
This has placed an increasing onus on training all those involved in the care and maintenance of endoscopy equipment.
Recognition by the NHS – and other healthcare systems – of the patient benefits of early diagnosis and the significant cost-savings of halting disease at its earliest point, has resulted in a 50% increase in demand for gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopies over the past four years. This level of activity is set to increase by a further 75% over the next four years, according to The Joint Advisory Group (JAG) on GI Endoscopy. In excess of one million GI endoscopy procedures are carried out in the UK every year. As the demand for the procedure rises, so too does the pressure on qualified teams and resources. Effective cleaning and disinfection of the equipment, and ensuring that the appropriate equipment management processes are in place, is an ongoing challenge when endoscopes are subject to such intensive usage. Not to be underestimated in any cost/benefit analysis is the significant bill of work and the skill necessary to minimise equipment damage and to ensure the long life of the endoscopes themselves through proper maintenance and servicing. Ultimately, this is about safety, effective patient care and productivity, which is why training and exchange of best practice has become crucial.
Training services
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