Sustainability in endoscopic medical congresses and courses: Position Statement from the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates.

Key Takeaways for GI Nurses

• Professional nursing organizations ESGE and ESGENA have formally recognized the need for environmental sustainability in endoscopy education and professional development activities
• Future endoscopy conferences and educational courses will likely incorporate eco-friendly practices, potentially affecting how nurses access continuing education and training opportunities
• The position statement establishes a framework for reducing the carbon footprint of medical education while maintaining high-quality professional development standards
• GI nurses may see increased emphasis on virtual learning platforms and hybrid educational models as alternatives to traditional in-person conferences

Clinical Relevance

This position statement represents a significant shift in how the endoscopy nursing community approaches professional development and continuing education. As healthcare systems worldwide grapple with their environmental impact, GI and endoscopy nurses will need to adapt to new models of learning that balance educational quality with sustainability goals. This may include increased utilization of virtual reality training platforms, online simulation modules, and hybrid conference formats that reduce travel-related emissions while still providing hands-on learning opportunities essential for procedural competency.

The implications extend beyond individual learning preferences to unit-level decisions about staff development budgets, travel policies, and educational planning. Nursing managers may need to reassess how they allocate continuing education funds, potentially investing more in digital learning platforms and local or regional training opportunities. Additionally, this sustainability focus aligns with broader healthcare initiatives around environmental stewardship, positioning GI nurses as leaders in responsible healthcare practices that extend beyond direct patient care.

From a professional development perspective, this position statement signals that major endoscopy organizations are committed to maintaining educational excellence while addressing climate concerns. For practicing nurses, this means continued access to high-quality education through innovative delivery methods that may actually increase accessibility for nurses in remote locations or those with scheduling constraints that previously limited conference attendance.

Bottom Line

The joint ESGE-ESGENA position statement on sustainability marks a pivotal moment for endoscopy nursing education, signaling that future professional development opportunities will increasingly emphasize environmental responsibility through innovative delivery methods while maintaining the high educational standards essential for safe, competent endoscopy nursing practice.