A54 Improvements of Global Rating Scale (Grs) Canada Scores in Seven Endoscopy Units in the Edmonton Region Using an Integrated Quality Improvement Program

Abstract

Background:The recently developed GRS-Canada is a validated instrument whose implementation leads to improved quality and patient experience of colonoscopy. The GRS-C has two dimensions dealing with clinical quality and quality of the patient experience. Both have ratings for 6 different categories resulting in a total of 12 dimensions for the "total" GRS-C score. The GRS-C has four grading levels, going from D, the lowest level, to level A, the highest. In order to reach a certain level all questions in each domain need to be answered positively. 18 months ago the GRS was introduced in seven of the eight hospital sites where endoscopy is performed in the Edmonton Zone: University of Alberta Hospital, Royal Alexandra, Grey Nuns, Misericordia, Sturgeon, Leduc and Fort Saskatchewan. The 8 th hospital WestView recently also started. Aims: The aim is to get all sites up to an A level over the next four years. Here we report on how scores improved as a result of an integrated QA program that was launched. Methods: The CAG website created for online submission of the GRS and associated improvement process was used to enter scores. This was done once every year. Results:As can be seen marked improvements were seen in 6 of the 7 hospitals all of whom have been actively working on the project for at least 1 year. In many dimension there was improvement from a D level to a C. One site was unchanged and an eighth site is just starting. Patient surveys have been started which will further help improve scores over time. Conclusions: Important improvements were seen in GRS-Canada scores in Edmonton Zone endoscopy units using an integrated QA program. The program was supported by a project manager.