Table 2

Colonoscopy quality indicators

Quality indicatorAbbreviationAccountabilityDefinition
1. Adenoma detection rateADRColonoscopistNumber of colonoscopies at which one or more histologically confirmed adenomas were found divided by the total number of colonoscopies performed in the same time period.
2. Polyp detection ratePDRColonoscopistNumber of colonoscopies at which one or more polyps were found (regardless of histological type) divided by the total number of colonoscopies performed (in the same time period).
3. Colonoscopy withdrawal timeCWTColonoscopistAverage time taken to withdraw the colonoscope from the caecal pole to the anus in complete, negative procedures.
4. Unadjusted caecal intubation rateuCIRColonoscopistProportion of all colonoscopic procedures in which the caecum, terminal ileum or anastamosis was reached (no adjustment made for poor bowel preparation or impassable strictures).
5. Rectal retroversion rateRRRColonoscopistProportion of procedures in which the colonoscope was retroverted in the rectum.
6. Polyp retrieval ratePRRColonoscopistProportion of resected polyps that were retrieved and sent for histological analysis.
7. Sedation practices–Colonoscopist

  • Mean doses of pethidine, fentanyl and midazolam when used.

  • Patient comfort assessed during colonoscopy using the modified Gloucester score to grade patient discomfort as none, mild, moderate or severe.15

8. Buscopan use–ColonoscopistProportion of procedures in which hyoscine n-butyl bromide (Buscopan) was administered.
9. Bowel preparation scores–Screening centreQuality of bowel preparation assessed by colonoscopist at the time of colonoscopy using a four-point modified Likert scale. Descriptors for quality of bowel preparation were: incomplete examination due to inadequate preparation; complete examination despite inadequate preparation; adequate or excellent preparation.15
10. Adverse eventsAEColonoscopist/screening centre/unitData from Bowel Cancer Screening System, AE log and screening centres.