(May 22, 2012) – The national gastroenterology societies have issued a new document on sedation training for gastrointestinal endoscopy. The Multisociety Sedation Curriculum for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (MSCGE) grew out of the need for a complete and programmatic approach to the training of procedure sedation. The document is published jointly in Gastroenterology, American Journal of Gastroenterology, GIE:Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Hepatology and in Gastroenterology Nursing.
"As a natural outgrowth of the Gastroenterology Core Curriculum, the sponsoring societies thought that a comprehensive document covering the aspects of procedure sedation from pharmacology, periprocedure assessment, airway management, and the use of anesthesia services was necessary for a variety of reasons. Chief among these was to ensure a standardized basis for instruction through the use of competency-based training," said John J. Vargo, MD, MPH, Committee Chair, Multi-Society Sedation Task Force. "Throughout this document, the paramount importance of practice and research based on the highest principles of ethics, humanism, and professionalism is reinforced."
Endoscopic sedation strives to seek a balance between patient comfort and drug-related side effects. Optimal sedation allows the patient the greatest degree of comfort while preserving the greatest degree of safety. The MSCGE represents a joint collaborative effort among the national gastroenterology societies—the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. In addition, the Society for Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates played a crucial role in the development of the MSCGE.
The MSCGE constitutes a living document that represents the sponsoring societies' vision of best practices in procedure sedation training based on published data and expert consensus. It provides a framework for developing an individual plan of study and growth that should be tailored to meet the needs of each individual trainee based on the strengths and special qualities of each individual training program. Additionally, the curriculum can serve the practicing gastroenterologist in the updating of both knowledge and skills. The curriculum will continue to evolve with time as new knowledge, methods of learning, novel techniques and technologies, and challenges arise.
The MSCGE has been divided into an overview of training and 11 sections encompassing the breadth of knowledge and skills required for the practice of procedural sedation for GI endoscopy:
- Sedation Pharmacology
- Informed Consent for Endoscopic Sedation
- Periprocedure Assessment for Endoscopic Procedures
- Levels of Sedation
- Training in the Administration of Specific Agents for Moderate Sedation
- Training in Airway/Rescue Techniques and Management of Complications
- Anesthesiologist Assistance for Endoscopic Procedures
- Intraprocedure Monitoring
- Postprocedure Assessment Training
- Endoscopy in Pregnant and Lactating Women
- Assessment of Competency in Endoscopic Sedation
Members of the Multi-Society Sedation Task Force are John J. Vargo, MD, MPH, Committee Chair, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Chairman, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Mark H. DeLegge, MD, Digestive Disease Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Andrew D. Feld, MD, JD, Group Health Cooperative, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Patrick D. Gerstenberger, MD, Digestive Health Associates, PC, Durango, Colorado; Paul Y. Kwo, MD, Medical Director, Liver Transplantation, Gastroenterology/Hepatology Division, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Jenifer R. Lightdale, MD, MPH, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Susan Nuccio, RN, MSN, ACN-BC, CGRN, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Douglas K. Rex, MD, Indiana School of Medicine, Director of Endoscopy, Indiana University Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana; Lawrence R. Schiller, MD, Digestive Health Associates of Texas, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
About Endoscopy
Endoscopy is performed by specially-trained physicians called endoscopists using the most current technology to diagnose and treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Using flexible, thin tubes called endoscopes, endoscopists are able to access the human digestive tract without incisions via natural orifices. Endoscopes are designed with high-intensity lighting and fitted with precision devices that allow viewing and treatment of the gastrointestinal system. Millions of endoscopies are performed in the U.S. each year. It is a safe, effective and well-tolerated procedure. Sedation is commonly used to make the patient comfortable throughout the exam.
About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with more than 12,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education. Visit http://www.asge.org and http://www.screen4coloncancer.org for more information and to find a qualified doctor in your area.
About the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
AASLD is the leading medical society focused solely on advancing the science and practice of hepatology and represents more than 3,300 practitioners, researchers, and allied health professionals worldwide. Founded by physicians in 1950, AASLD has upheld the standards of the profession and fostered research that generates treatment options for the millions of patients with liver diseases. http://www.aasld.org.
About the American College of Gastroenterology
Founded in 1932, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) is an organization with an international membership of more than 12,000 individuals from 80 countries. The College is committed to serving the clinically oriented digestive disease specialist through its emphasis on scholarly practice, teaching and research. The mission of the College is to serve the evolving needs of physicians in the delivery of high quality, scientifically sound, humanistic, ethical, and cost-effective health care to gastroenterology patients. For more information, visit http://www.gi.org.
About the AGA Institute
The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, the AGA has grown to include 17,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization. http://www.gastro.org.
About the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates Inc.
The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates is a professional organization of nurses and associates dedicated to the safe and effective practice of gastroenterology and endoscopy nursing. SGNA carries out its mission by advancing the science and practice of gastroenterology and endoscopy nursing through education, research, advocacy, and collaboration, and by promoting the professional development of its members in an atmosphere of mutual support.
Media Contacts
Anne Brownsey
ASGE
630-570-5635
abrownsey@asge.org
Greg Bologna
AASLD
703-299-9766
gbologna@aasld.org
Anne-Louise Oliphant
ACG
301-263-9000
mediaonly@acg.gi.org
Aimee Frank
AGA Institute
301-941-2620
media@gastro.org
Jennifer Kasowicz
SGNA
312-673-4970
jkasowicz@smithbucklin.com
Journal
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy