UEG calls for more of the nursing workforce in endoscopy to reduce CRC deaths

UEG calls for more of the nursing workforce in endoscopy to reduce CRC deaths -

Increased nurse training in endoscopy is essential to reduce the growing number of colorectal cancer deaths across Europe

colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently estimated at 214.675 demand adult life in Europe, which is equivalent to 1 death every 3 minutes. With this figure should increase to 12% by 2020 United European Gastroenterology (UEG), the largest digestive health organization of Europe, calls for urgent increase of participation in screening and the availability of trained endoscopists more nurses across Europe, to prevent the increased mortality.

Colorectal cancer is highly lethal in its advanced stages still early detection can lead to a survival rate of 0-95%. Regular screening reduces risk of dying from the disease by 20-30% by using the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) and it is well established that patients are kept free of adenomas by endoscopic polypectomy are generally kept without cancer. In fact, recent studies have also suggested that endoscopic screening is associated with a substantial reduction in specific colorectal cancer mortality and has a preventive effect as FOBT screening.

However, there is currently a considerable lack of the nursing workforce in endoscopy in most European countries, and the main supplier of endoscopy in many countries remains with the doctor. Sweden and the UK are the only European countries to have nurse endoscopists available nationally and Denmark and the Netherlands nurse endoscopists, but only in some areas.

United European Gastroenterology (UEG) welcome the essential steps of the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) take to transform the training of endoscopy nurses and provision through the Europe

Michael Ortmann, President of the European Society of Gastroenterology and endoscopy nurses and Associates (ESGENA) explains. "We have established a European Endoscopy Nurses Forum (NFFEs) which allowed the collaboration between the European countries to put in place a harmonized training program for nurses endoscopy and standardization of the role of endoscopy nurses across Europe, including training requirements has, which will have a significant impact on reducing deaths from colorectal cancer. "

ESGENA in combination with ESGE (European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) and the Austrian Society of endoscopy and GE nurses and assistants (IVEPA) will host a conference under UEG Week (18-22 October 2014) in Vienna, offering high-quality hands-on training in small groups and live transmissions for nurses to improve their skills in endoscopy. Under the supervision of highly experienced tutors, participants will have the opportunity to take part in valuable training using simulators and on bio also the ability to perform endoscopic techniques on colonoscopy and ERCP.