Proposed quality indicators and recommended standard reporting items in performance of EBUS bronchoscopy: An official World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology Expert Panel consensus statement

Abstract

Background Since their introduction, both linear and radial endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) have become an integral component of the practice of Pulmonology and Thoracic Oncology. The quality of health care can be measured by comparing the performance of an individual or a health service with an ideal threshold or benchmark. The taskforce sought to evaluate quality indicators in EBUS bronchoscopy based on clinical relevance/importance and on the basis that observed significant variation in outcomes indicates potential for improvement in health care outcomes. Methods A comprehensive literature review informed the composition of a comprehensive list of candidate quality indicators in EBUS. A multiple‐round modified Delphi consensus process was subsequently performed with the aim of reaching consensus over a final list of quality indicators and performance targets for these indicators. Standard reporting items were developed, with a strong preference for items where evidence demonstrates a relationship with quality indicator outcomes. Results Twelve quality Indicators are proposed, with performance targets supported by evidence from the literature. Standardized reporting items for both radial and linear EBUS are recommended, with evidence supporting their utility in assessing procedural outcomes presented. Conclusion This statement is intended to provide a framework for individual proceduralists to assess the quality of EBUS they provide their patients through the identification of clinically relevant, feasible quality measures. Emphasis is placed on outcome measures, with a preference for consistent terminology to allow communication and benchmarking between centres.

Using quality indicators to assess performance of endobronchial ultrasound in the staging and diagnosis of lung cancer: a pre/post study at a New Zealand centre

“…Importantly, since completion of this study, an international expert consensus statement on proposed EBUS quality indicators and recommended reporting has been published. 29 The statement expands on the quality indicators reported in our review, and may form the basis of local EBUS quality assurance programmes going forward.…”

Contemporary Concise Review 2023: Advances in lung cancer and interventional pulmonology

“…A recently published WABIP Expert Panel consensus statement on quality indicators in EBUS bronchoscopy recommend that the proportion of patients undergoing systematic mediastinal lymph node staging with EBUS be established as a metric of quality for individual services 44 . The SEISMIC findings support the statement position including all patients with cN1/2 disease.…”

Improving care in lung cancer surgery: a review of quality measures and evolving standards

“…Finally, as EBUS has become integral in the staging of NSCLC, the World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology Expert Panel recently published a series of twelve quality indicators, performance targets, and a list of standard reporting items for EBUS to allow for individuals to assess the quality of care they are providing and allow for benchmarking amongst proceduralists and centers. The list of metrics includes, for example, the incidence of complications following EBUS and the frequency of inadequate specimens reported from an individual lymph node station [23].…”