Effectiveness of nurse-performed endoscopy in colorectal cancer screening: a systematic review

Background Bowel cancer is one of the most common and potentially preventable cancers. There is strong demand for bowel cancer screening programmes within the community. Nurses may play a vital role in the success of such programmes. Objective The review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led endoscopy in colorectal cancer screening. Methods A systematic search of the literature identified 226 articles published in English between 1994 and 2012. Of these articles, six were included for analysis. Results Three outcome measures were identified, namely quality and safety, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. Nurse-led endoscopy was comparable to physician-led endoscopy procedures with regards to indicators of quality and safety. Overall, greater patient satisfaction was reported with nurse-led endoscopy procedures and there was some evidence of improved cost-effectiveness. Conclusion Nurse-performed endoscopy appears to be as safe and effective as physician-performed endoscopy procedures in suitably selected patient populations. Further research and application of standardised training programmes and settings will be vital to ensuring ongoing safety and efficiency of nurse-led endoscopy