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FIRST-TIME USE OF THE ENDOSCOPY GLOBAL RATING SCALE IN THE CALGARY HEALTH REGION
C Dubé, R Bridges, R Hilsden, A Rostom, D Pontifex, J Cabrera, M Stapleton, S Harris, K Swabey, R Valori
The Endoscopy Global Rating Scale (GRS) was developed to measure the extent to which GI endoscopy units provide a patient-centered service and to assist these units in improving the quality of their service to patients through the identification areas in need of attention. In the UK, it has been widely disseminated and has effectively improved the standards of care in endoscopy. We describe our efforts at adapting this tool to our Canadian context and the results of our first-time use of the scale.
METHODS: The GRS was first adapted to Canadian language during a seminar held in Calgary in the fall 2006 in the presence of its author, R. Valori. A survey team was then created and the three university-affiliated GI units of the Calgary Health Region (CHR) were sequentially surveyed. Results were then presented to R. Valori and the local Quality Assurance Committee. A resolution to adopt the GRS and to periodically survey our units with this tool was adopted. Working groups focused on selected areas are currently being created.
RESULTS: This experience revealed 1) that the GRS has excellent face validity in our context of GI endoscopy in Canada; 2) that it can be completed by a dedicated survey team in a reasonable amount of time; 3) that it is remarkably helpful in pointing out areas of deficiencies and formulating specific corrective strategies. Moreover, several practical recommendations regarding the use of the GRS have been made by the survey team. These include the creation of short pre-survey questionnaires addressing items which may relate to GI consultation services or to triage services as well as tips on item interpretation and data analysis.
CONCLUSIONS: Using the GRS for quality assurance purposes in Canadian GI endoscopy units is a feasible and effective practice. It should be considered by endoscopy units across Canada.