Quality assurance in colonoscopy for colorectal cancer diagnosis.
Colonoscopy can prevent colorectal cancer, but its effectiveness is diminished by operator-dependent factors. Therefore, quality assurance programs should be implemented in all colonoscopy practices. Adherence to quality performance measures varies among different countries, and physicians seem reluctant to adopt them. We provide an overview of the existing guidelines for colonoscopy quality assurance, and a summary of the quality control initiatives in Belgium and the surrounding countries.
Antwerp University Hospital, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, UZ Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, Antwerp, Belgium. elisabeth.macken@uza.be
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Macken
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Moreels
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Vannoote
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PD
Siersema
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Van Cutsem
D018256:Adenomatous Polyps / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000592:standards*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005060:Europe; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000592:standards; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011786:Quality Control