Nurse endoscopists perform colonoscopies according to the international standard and with high patient satisfaction

Background and study aims: Colonoscopy is increasingly performed by nurse endoscopists. We aimed to assess the endoscopic quality and patient experience of these procedures. Patients and methods: This prospective multicenter study analyzed 100 consecutive colonoscopies each for 10 trained nurse endoscopists with respect to endoscopic quality and patient experience. Colonoscopies were performed under the supervision of a gastroenterologist, using the techniques and protocols of the participating hospitals. Patient experience was assessed using a questionnaire. Results: Most nurse endoscopists were female (90%; median age 43 [range 35-49]). Before the start of the study, they had performed a median of 528 colonoscopies (range 208 - 2103). For the 1000 patients, mean age was 56 +/- 15 years; 55% were women; and 96% were in class I or II according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status classification system. Colonoscopies were performed for screening or surveillance in 42%; for symptomatic indications in 58% of patients. The unassi Conclusion: The nurse endoscopists performed colonoscopies according to the internationally recognized quality standards and with high patient satisfaction