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Nurse Performed Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

 

Position
The Canadian Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates support the position that nurses trained and experienced in gastroenterology nursing and endoscopy be given the responsibility of performing Flexible Sigmoidoscopy for the purpose of Colorectal cancer screening. Education and training should include but are not limited to anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the colon, rectum and abdomen; indications, contraindications and alternatives; potential complications of screening flexible sigmoidoscopy, and manipulation of endoscopes. Competency is demonstrated by successful performance of safe and effective procedures, recognition of normal anatomy and identification of pathology. This role is subject to the approval of the Provincial Licensing Body, the Physician, and the Employer.

Definition
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is the examination of the rectum and the colon from the anal verge to the splenic flexure using a flexible fiberoptic or video gastrointestinal scope.

Background
In response to the changes in the field of gastroenterology and endoscopy the traditional role of the gastroenterology nurse has changed. Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the US and Canada every year. Current research and practice publications illustrate the safety and accuracy of the performance of routine screening flexible sigmoidoscopies by trained registered nurses.

Disclaimer
The Canadian Society of Gastroenterolgy Nurses and Associates does not assume responsibility for the practices or recommendations of any member or other practitioner or for the policy and practices of any Endoscopy Unit

Bibliography
Adapted with permission of SGNA August 2000. Performance of Flexible Sigmoidoscopy by Nurses for the Purpose of Colorectal Cancer screening.
American Cancer Society, Inc. 1998. Cancer facts and figures No. 50058.96.
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 1998. Endoscopy by non Physicians: Guidelines for Clinical applications. No 1035.
Canadian Nurses Protective Society 1995. Independent Practice: Legal considerations.
Canadian Nurses Protective Society 1998. Malpractice Lawsuits: Facts you need to know.
Canadian Nurses Protective Society 1999. Legal Risks in Nursing.
Cash, B, Schoenfeld,P., & Ransohoff,, D. 1998. Licensure, utilization and training of paramedical personnel to perform flexible sigmoidoscopy. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 49, 163-169.
Cass, O., Freeman, M., Peine, C., Zera, R., & Onstad, G. 1993. Objective Evaluation of endoscopy skills. Annals of Internal Medicine, 118(1), 40-44.
Disario, J., Sandowski, R. 1993. Sigmoidoscopy Training for Nurses and Residents Physicians.Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.  Vol 39:1. 29-32.
Gertlers, M., Akahi,K., Jonas, G. 1991. Abstract, Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Performed by Nurse Endoscopists.ASGE. Vol 37:263. Abstract #125.
Gruber, M. 1996. Performance of flexible sigmoidoscopy by Clinical Nurse Specialist. Gastroenterology Nursing, 19, 105-108.
Gruber, M, Watson,C., Spaulding, M., & Mahl, T. 1999. Implementation of a process action team to improve colorectal cancer screening and treatment. Veterans Health System Journal, 2 (2), 37-43.
Hellier,M., McCloy,R., Cox, M., Shepard,M., Swarbrick,, E., Littlewood.,M., Gear, M., Morris, A., & Palmer,R. 1995 The nurse endoscopist. Gut,36, 795.
Johnson, B., 1999. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Screening for colorectal cancer. American Family Physician,59, 5313-3254.
Liberman., D., Ghormley, J. 1991. Physicain Assistants in Gastrenterology. Should they perform Endoscopy? American Journal of Gastroenterology. Vol. 2: 333-335.
Maule, W. 1994. Screening for Colorectal cancer by Nurse endoscopists. New England Journal of Medicine. 330 (3); 183-187.
Norfleet, R., Johnson, S., Mulholland, D., Philo, J., Saviage, K., Skerven, G. 1980 Proctosigmoidoscopic Examination by Gastroenterologist Assistants Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. Vol 2: 333-335
Rosevelt, J., Frankel, H.,1984. Colorectal Cancer Screening by Nurse Practitioner Using 60 CM Flexible Fiberoptic Sigmoidoscope. Digestive Diseases and Sciences. Vol 29:161-163.
Schroy, P., Wiggins, T., Winawer, S., 1988. Video Endoscopy by Nurse Practitoners: A Model for Colorectal Screening. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Vol. 34: 390-394.
Spencer, R., Ready, R. 1977. Utilization of Nurse Endoscopists for Sigmoidoscope Examinations. Disease Colon Rectum Vol.20:94-97


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