Trends and Takeaways from the 2025 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report

How the GI field is changing—and what that means for your department

The 2025 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report is more than a pulse check, it’s a reflection of how GI departments across the country are adapting, improving, and confronting persistent challenges. This year’s survey drew responses from more than 400 GI professionals, including technicians, nurses, nurse managers, SPD crossovers, and department leaders. Their voices offer insight into what’s improving, what’s holding departments back, and what success actually looks like in today’s reprocessing environments.

Here are some of the key trends and takeaways from this year’s data:

Compliance Is Improving, But It’s Only the Beginning

One of the most significant improvements in 2025 was the jump in departmental compliance ratings, which rose from 6.8 to 7.5 (out of 10). This suggests that departments are becoming more focused on documentation, audit readiness, and adherence to IFUs.

But while compliance scores are rising, many departments still struggle to turn protocols into daily habits. The increase may reflect improved processes on paper, but not necessarily consistent execution in practice. The challenge ahead lies in translating standards into culture.

Ergonomics and Working Comfort Remain Problematic

Despite a modest uptick in ratings, ergonomics and working comfort continue to be the lowest-rated departmental category in the survey. GI reprocessing work is physically demanding, often taking place in cramped or outdated spaces. Respondents repeatedly cited fatigue, strain, and the lack of proper equipment design as contributors to burnout and turnover.

This isn’t just a staffing issue, however, it’s a safety one. As device complexity increases, so too do the demands on reprocessing professionals. The data shows that investment in ergonomics is not just overdue, it’s critical.

Culture and Teamwork Define Exceptional Departments

When asked what makes a GI department truly exceptional, responses consistently pointed to culture, collaboration, and leadership. Respondents didn’t emphasize flashy technology or perfect compliance, they emphasized departments where:

• Colleagues support each other
• Communication flows freely
• Leaders are visible and accountable
• Recognition and trust are part of daily life

This qualitative feedback affirms that soft skills and organizational culture are just as important as protocols and tools when it comes to departmental performance.

Turnover Isn’t Just About Pay

While compensation matters, it’s not the primary reason people leave GI departments. The most commonly cited non-compensation reasons include:

• Working conditions (e.g., burnout, stress, poor ergonomics)
• Lack of upward mobility or career development
• Lack of appreciation or recognition
• Management or leadership challenges

The message is clear: departments that want to retain staff need to think beyond wages. They need to foster environments where people feel valued, challenged, and supported in their growth.

Certification, Education, and Experience Shape Perception

One of the more nuanced findings in this year’s report is how certification and experience impact departmental ratings:

• Professionals with GI-specific certifications (e.g., CGRN, CER) consistently rated their departments more favorably.
• Those with greater experience tended to rate their departments lower—perhaps because they’ve seen what “excellent” looks like and are more attuned to gaps.

This suggests that certification programs and continuing education don’t just improve performance—they improve engagement and perception, too.

Departments Perform Well, or Poorly, Systemically

One of the most striking data points from this year’s survey is how closely departmental ratings correlate across categories. Departments that score well in leadership tend to also score high in culture, processes, compliance, and technology. Those that struggle in one area often struggle in many.

This means improvement efforts should be systemic, not siloed. A single equipment purchase or training module isn’t enough. Departments that want to raise their overall performance must build cohesive, cross-functional strategies that touch everything from staffing and equipment to recognition and communication.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report confirms what many already know: the GI field is advancing—but unevenly. Some departments are becoming safer, stronger, and more collaborative. Others continue to face avoidable barriers that impact patient safety and staff well-being.

Whether you’re a GI nurse, endoscopy technician, department manager, educator, or infection preventionist, this year’s report offers insights on where to focus, what’s working, and what still needs urgent attention.

Download the 2025 GI Reprocessing Report later this month when it’s published.

Your next improvement strategy might already be waiting inside.

Download the 2024 GI Reprocessing Landscape Report here