Low ERCP Volume Is Associated with More Industry Representative Interactions but Similar Training of Nurses.
BACKGROUND
Data on ERCP nurses and associate (ERCP-NA) training and comfort are lacking. Healthcare industry representative (HCIR) influence may be greater in low-volume units (LVUs) due to decreased procedure and device familiarity.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare ERCP-NA training, safety, and HCIR relationships between LVU and high-volume unit (HVU) ERCP facilities.


METHODS
We conducted an electronic survey of all Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) members assessing: (1) demographics and procedure volume, (2) ERCP training and radiation safety, and (3) HCIR interactions. Responses were stratified by ERCP volume.


RESULTS
Among 832 SGNA member respondents (median age 55), 615 (74%) worked as an ERCP-NA; 41% derived from LVUs. The majority of ERCP-NAs, irrespective of unit volume, had observed <50 ERCPs before starting. Except for lead glasses, the majority (>80%) adhered to basic radiation safety, irrespective of unit volume. LVUs were more likely than HVU ERCP-NAs to agree that HCIRs were requested for intra-procedure assistance (24 vs. 19%, p = 0.008), asked for input on the next choice of device (22 vs. 15%, p = 0.01), and assist in device usage (27 vs. 22%, p = 0.04). Irrespective of volume, 30% agreed that they were more likely to utilize a company's devices if that HCIR was present.


CONCLUSIONS
ERCP-NA training before independent participation in ERCP is suboptimal. HCIRs are frequently requested for assistance during ERCPs, especially in LVUs. HCIR impact on ERCP outcomes and device utilization and whether enhanced ERCP-NA training will impact the role of HCIR, require further study.
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. raj-keswani@northwestern.edu.
Rajesh N
RN
Keswani
Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
Phyllis
P
Malpas
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Sheryl E
SE
Lynch
Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
Gregory A
GA
Coté
D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005762:Gastroenterology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019981:Health Care Sector / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D000067393:Personal Protective Equipment; D000069079:Radiation Exposure; D011874:Radiometry; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Device representatives; ERCP; Healthcare costs; Safety; Training