1225 CREATING MULTI-LEVEL INTERVENTIONS TO ADDRESS SIGNIFICANT COLONOSCOPY WAIT TIMES IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND EXPANDED CRC SCREENING GUIDELINES

Key Takeaways for GI Nurses

• Multi-level interventions are being developed to address the critical backlog of colonoscopy procedures created by COVID-19 disruptions and new expanded colorectal cancer screening guidelines
• Endoscopy units must prepare for increased patient volume and implement systematic approaches to manage extended wait times that may impact patient outcomes
• Nurses play a crucial role in implementing workflow modifications and patient communication strategies to address screening delays and maintain quality care standards
• Understanding regulatory changes and screening guideline updates is essential for proper patient triage and scheduling prioritization in the post-pandemic environment

Clinical Relevance

The convergence of COVID-19's impact on elective procedures and expanded colorectal cancer screening guidelines has created an unprecedented challenge for endoscopy units nationwide. As GI nurses, we are at the forefront of managing this crisis, which directly affects our daily operations, patient scheduling, and care delivery models. The development of multi-level interventions suggests that addressing colonoscopy wait times requires coordinated efforts across all aspects of endoscopy practice, from pre-procedure patient education and preparation to optimized procedural workflows and post-procedure follow-up protocols.

This research highlights the critical need for endoscopy nurses to adapt their practice patterns to accommodate higher patient volumes while maintaining safety and quality standards. Extended wait times can lead to patient anxiety, potential disease progression in undiagnosed cases, and increased complexity in managing screening versus diagnostic procedures. Nurses must be prepared to implement enhanced patient communication strategies, streamlined preparation protocols, and efficient unit operations to maximize procedural capacity without compromising patient care quality.

From a professional development perspective, this situation demands that GI nurses stay current with evolving screening guidelines and understand how regulatory changes impact patient care priorities. The multi-level intervention approach likely encompasses staff training, technology integration, and workflow optimization – all areas where experienced endoscopy nurses can contribute valuable insights and leadership to ensure successful implementation and sustained improvements in patient access to care.

Bottom Line

GI nurses must prepare for sustained increases in colonoscopy demand driven by pandemic-related backlogs and expanded screening guidelines, requiring active participation in multi-level interventions that optimize unit efficiency, enhance patient communication, and maintain quality care standards while managing extended wait times that could impact patient outcomes and satisfaction.