Quality control mechanism for endoscopic procedures

Abstract

This chapter highlights areas that quality control can be effectively used for endoscopic units to improve the quality of endoscopic procedures. Examples are given throughout this chapter to illustrate practical application of theoretical ideas. As few individuals running endoscopy units have formal training in the scientific techniques of quality control, several tools are explained in this chapter that can be used for quality control programs. Quality control in a bronchoscopy suite is a very complex process. The most important step is that the leadership of the unit realizes the necessity of such a program. Initially, it requires champions of quality that can identify areas of concern and foster the support to collect the appropriate data to be analyzed. Quality control programs require strategies of approach to problems, which must be standardized to allow for a long-term program that will successfully guide the bronchoscopy suite to an effective, efficient, safe, and financially strong unit.