The Polyp Recall Proforma (Prep) - A Simple Intervention To Improve Report Writing At Colonoscopy

Aims The accurate reporting of polyps and polypectomy requires the recall of multiple details of polyp characteristics and resection technique. Human memory has a limited capacity and can be compromised when subjected to increasing cognitive load leading to recall inaccuracy and incorrect report writing. Endoscopists may seek support from others present; who may be unprepared to recall all relevant details.

We surveyed local endoscopists and endoscopy assistants to explore difficulties with polyp recall and to determine whether a Polyp REcall Proforma (PREP) may improve report writing in colonoscopy.

Methods 20 local colonoscopists and 60 endoscopy assistants were surveyed using the online platforms ‘SurveyMonkey’ and ‘Google Forms’ respectively.

Participants were asked about difficulties with polyp/polypectomy recall, documentation practice and whether they thought a proforma to aid polyp/polypectomy recall would improve report writing accuracy.

Results 13/20 colonoscopists and 28/60 endoscopy assistants completed the survey. 92 % of colonoscopists reported difficulty recalling polyp/polypectomy detail, generally when >4 polyps were identified, and all had sought help from an assistant.

82 % of endoscopy assistants reported always recording detail of multiple polypectomy (>4) but 57 % never or rarely recorded when polyps were visualised but left in situ. At polypectomy assistants commonly recorded polyp site (100 %), retrieval status (93 %), lift (89 %) and polypectomy technique (86 %). Few assistants recorded polyp size (17.9 %), en bloc or piecemeal resection (10.7 %) and polyp morphology despite most recognising that these details are desirable. The information recalled by the assistant was considered usually inadequate by 69 % of colonoscopists.

92 % of colonoscopists and 100 % of endoscopy assistants felt a formal PREP would improve the accuracy of report writing at colonoscopy.

Conclusions This study highlights a common problem, recalling multiple polyps/polypectomy at colonoscopy. We have developed the PREP as a simple, acceptable intervention to overcome some of these difficulties with view to improving the accuracy of report writing at colonoscopy.

Citation Materacki L, Murphy A, Anderson J eP124 THE POLYP RECALL PROFORMA (PREP) - A SIMPLE INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE REPORT WRITING AT COLONOSCOPY. Endoscopy 2021; 53: S136.

Publication History

Article published online:
19 March 2021