Gastrointestinal Nurse Specialist

1. Gastrointestinal Nurse Specialist An Overview of the Specialist Role Marie Wilson Southern Health and Social Care Trust 28th March 2012

2. Development of the Role • Nurse endoscopy originated in the U.S in the 1970s(Schroy et al 1988; Maule 1994 and Schoenfeld et al 1999) • Evolved in UK in 1990s • The Scope of Professional Practice (UKCC, 1992) • British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines (BSG, 1994) • 1st Nurse Endoscopist appointed to SHSCT 2008

3. Episodes of Care • Currently 5-6 endoscopy sessions per week • Average 5-7 patients / 10 points per session • Range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures • Planned and Direct-to-test • Pre-assessment / Clinical Validation Clinic

4. Improved Patient Experience • Training and Technique • Improved Comfort Score / Caecal Intubation Rates • Positive feedback • Health education • Appropriate follow up and onward referral • Shorter waiting times

7. Improved Patient Safety • JAG approved training courses • Training in safe sedation • Independent Nurse Prescribing • Patient assessment and history taking • Informed consent • Knowledge of current guidelines • Introduction of Entonox as alternative sedation • Pre-assessment clinic for the issue of bowel preparation

8. Achievement of Service Objectives • GRS quality standard on timeliness • Substantial reduction in waiting times • Cost savings – cheaper to employ • Flexible workforce – ability to back fill • Dual trained Nurse Endoscopists • SHSCT Job plan – model to follow for proposed regional job plan

10. 16 Other Endoscopists: 13 x Consultants; 1 x Associate Specialist; 1 x GPSI; 1 x Trust Grade.