The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal medical society, has recognized Western Reserve Hospital’s Endoscopy Unit as part of its program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy in all settings where it is practiced in the United States.
The hospital’s Endoscopy Unit is one of more than 600 endoscopy units to be granted the recognition since 2009. The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program honors endoscopy units that have demonstrated a commitment to patient safety and quality in endoscopy as evidenced by meeting the program’s rigorous criteria, which includes following the ASGE guidelines on privileging, quality assurance, endoscope reprocessing, CDC infection control guidelines and ensuring endoscopy staff competency.
To be recognized by ASGE, the endoscopy unit, through a peer-reviewed application process, must attest to the continued competence of all staff relative to their roles, demonstrate the adoption of unit policies specific to ongoing assessment of performance relative to key quality indicators, and attest that the unit has an established infrastructure and personnel dedicated to infection control and prevention.
An important component of the program is an educational course entitled, “Improving Quality and Safety in Your Endoscopy Unit,” that thoroughly reviews related guidelines. Upon completion of the program, the certificate is granted for a three-year renewable period.
“We are proud to acknowledge the endoscopy units through our Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program for their commitment to promoting the highest standards of safety and quality,” said Lukejohn Day, MD, FASGE, chair, ASGE Quality Assurance in Endoscopy Committee. “By ensuring infection control principles are adhered to, continually assessing the competency of staff, and monitoring patient satisfaction, ASGE-recognized units contribute to the public’s confidence in endoscopy, a life-saving technology.
Western Reserve Hospital physicians serve endoscopy patients in Cuyahoga Falls at Western Reserve Hospital – 1900 23rd Street, Suite 1100 and in Uniontown at 4016 Massillon Road, Suite C. For more information call (330) 926-3313 or visit www.westernreservehospital.org/gastroenterology.
