Listening to GI Nurses & Technicians: 2023 GI Report Department Ratings and How to Improve Them

The 2023 GI Nurse & Technician Report shined a light on the problems, trends, and opportunities that GI / gastroenterology reprocessing professionals are seeing. While awareness of these challenges is incredibly important, it’s what departments do with this knowledge that really matters.

In our Survey, GI nurses and technicians rated various aspects of their departments on a scale from 1-10, with one representing “poor” and ten meaning “excellent.”

Let’s explore the three lowest category ratings participants gave and how departments can go about improving them.

Ergonomics & Working Comfort – 6.2

Height-adjustable equipment is one of the first things people think of when it comes to improving ergonomics, but there’s more that departments can do in the short term.

• Anti-fatigue mats are a great starting point. Cost effective and quick to implement, anti-fatigue mats are a great way to begin enhancing ergonomics for your team.
• Flushing systems are replacing syringe flushing in departments across the country. Gone are the days of drawing water into a syringe and forcing it through your endoscopes. Automated flushing systems make flushing scopes much easier, while eliminating a painful repetitive motion that has the potential to lead to carpal tunnel complaints.
• Sink inserts can remedy deep basin challenges and bring the working level at deep sinks into a more optimal range of motion. Keep your old sinks in the fight a little longer while you search for the next best solution.

Training & Education – 6.3

Training & education was top of mind for participants throughout the survey, and 6.3 is the second lowest rating in any category. Enhancing training and education doesn’t require an educator (although it certainly helps!)

• Lean on vendors to get an abundance of free educational materials for your department. Some in-services may also be accredited.
• Schedule regular training sessions based on the needs of your department to keep people up to date on IFU.
• Get involved with local chapter activities. Find your local SGNA Regional Society, here.

Technology – 6.6

Technology investments are often associated with high costs, but they don’t always have to be.

• Explore unused features of your tracking system and unlock technology or reporting you already have but aren’t utilizing.
• Maximize what you have: reach out to vendors to see if there are upgraded versions of software, enhancements to existing technologies, or re-read IFU. There may be untapped features that aren’t in use that are in your GI department today.
• Identify cost effective technology investments. Flushing systems are a great place to start that impact ergonomics, efficiency, effectiveness and more.

GI nurses and technicians shared what they thought about their gastroenterology departments; it’s time to listen! Deploying the strategies and methods discussed here can help departments make strides towards improving ergonomics, training, and technology implementation.

Interested in participating in the 2024 GI Nurse and Technician Survey and receiving the free report before it’s publicly published? Click here to make your voice heard!