Development of a national automated endoscopy database: The United Kingdom National Endoscopy Database (NED)

Abstract

Background The National Endoscopy Database (NED) project commenced in 2013 under the auspices of the Joint Advisory Group. The aim is to upload endoscopy procedure data from all units across the United Kingdom to a centralised database. The database can be used to facilitate quality assurance, research and training in endoscopy. Objective This article describes the development and implementation process of NED from its inception to date. Methods NED utilises automated data uploading of a minimum dataset from local endoscopy reporting systems to a central national database via the internet. Currently all data are anonymised. Key performance indicators are presented to endoscopists and organisations on a web-based platform for quality assurance purposes. Results As of October 2018, 295 endoscopy services out of a total of 529 known services in the UK (56%) are actively uploading to NED. Data from more than 400,000 endoscopic procedures have been uploaded. Conclusion UK-wide data collection from endoscopy units to a central database is feasible using an automated upload system. This has the potential to facilitate endoscopy quality assurance and research.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Training in the United Kingdom

“…National Endoscopy Databases could be interrogated in the future for this purpose. 3 Like many countries, the UK places reliance on minimum procedure numbers as a competency safeguard. These are embedded within national certification processes for independent practice overseen by the Joint Advisory Group.…”

Colonoscopy Direct Observation of Procedural Skills Assessment Tool for Evaluating Competency Development During Training

“…This is now being being addressed in the UK National Endoscopy Database project where all procedures are centrally recorded. 31 Finally, subgroup analyses of DOPS competency rates were presented for gastroenterology and surgical specialties ( Supplementary File 5-7). This data should be interpreted with caution.…”

Variation in exposure to endoscopic haemostasis for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding during UK gastroenterology training

“…In parallel, a multisociety care bundle for AUGIB has recently been developed to improve quality of care 15. Finally, with the roll-out of the National Endoscopy Database,16 training leads will be able to monitor haemostasis training, akin to our study, using unbiased and real-time data uploaded from individual training units. Through a combination of prioritising training and facilitating quality assurance, these initiatives aim to modernise haemostasis training and quality, with the objective of supporting trainees, TPDs, endoscopy services and ultimately, to safeguard patients and improve outcomes in AUGIB.…”