Gastrointestinal endoscopy clinics of North America
-
Gastrointest. Endosc. Clin. N. Am. · Apr 2004
ReviewEfficacy, safety, and limitations in current practice of sedation and analgesia.
The ease and availability of endoscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic modality for gastrointestinal disorders has greatly increased the number of procedures performed in the United States. One of the main factors in achieving a flawless procedure is the use of sedation and analgesia in endoscopy. This article examines the efficacy, safety, and limitations inherent in the current practice of sedation and analgesia.
-
Gastrointest. Endosc. Clin. N. Am. · Apr 2004
ReviewExtended/advanced monitoring techniques in gastrointestinal endoscopy.
The practice of sedation and analgesia is under increasing scrutiny by numerous regulatory agencies, with the aim of making these procedures safer and reducing the incidence of cardiopulmonary complications during GI endoscopy. As we move toward more evidence-based medicine, new technologies will have to be assessed in a manner that demonstrates their efficacy and utility in clinical practice. Although there have been no controlled studies examining whether more intensive monitoring during endoscopy improves outcomes, extended monitoring with capnography seems to offer an advantage over conventional monitoring in that, by providing a real-time indication of any change in adequate ventilation before oxygen desaturation occurs, it can detect early phases of respiratory depression, which can allow a more precise and safer titration of medications. ⋯ Their potential role in improving sedation practice during endoscopy needs to be confirmed by controlled trials. If we consider the lack of proven efficacy of these emerging monitoring techniques in reducing the adverse outcomes associated with sedation and analgesia, the importance of appropriate monitoring cannot be overemphasized. However, it is vital for the endoscopist to be thoroughly familiar with the type of sedation chosen, to be able to recognize the various levels of sedation, and, above all, to rescue patients should they unintentionally progress to a deeper level of sedation than intended.
-
Gastrointest. Endosc. Clin. N. Am. · Apr 2004
ReviewA nursing perspective on sedation and nurse-administered propofol for endoscopy.
Although the role of nurses in endoscopic sedation and monitoring varies widely, our experience has been that an active role of nurses in the administration of sedation and in patient monitoring has been safe for patients, has allowed expansion of the use of propofol in GI endoscopy in a cost-effective fashion, and has been satisfying to patients and nurses. In addition, in some instances nurse administration of sedation has improved the efficiency of the endoscopy unit. The role of nurses in endoscopic sedation and monitoring continues to develop, and we are enthusiastic about an active role for nurses.
-
The use of propofol for GI endoscopy has left the realm of experimentation and is now a viable alternative to standard sedation and analgesia. In the hands of appropriately trained gastroenterologists and registered nurses, propofol has been shown to be superior to standard sedation and analgesia in terms of patient satisfaction and comfort and shorter recovery parameters. Comparative studies have found it to be as safe as the regimens that are used for standard sedation and analgesia. ⋯ Numerous regulatory groups are carefully scrutinizing the practice of sedation and analgesia. It seems that ventilatory monitoring will be required for at least a subset of patients. Although hypercapnia and apnea can be reliably measured, the most important questions to be answered are if such monitoring affects patient outcomes and which patients are at risk for apnea and alveolar hypoventilation.
-
The desire and requirements for information across the continuum of the enterprise are evident, because outcome measures, quality report cards, and financial pressures effect health care contracting. The real or perceived obstacles to having a comprehensive information management solution (the price tag, the compatibility of hardware and software, multiple locations, ownership of the information, and confidentiality) are so daunting that many are loathe to press ahead. The introduction of modern information technology into the AEC requires a systematic stepwise approach working with trusted partners and stable standards. Intelligent investment in these systems results in a more efficient and effective operating environment based on ongoing data monitoring.