Introduction The ‘Getting it right first time’ (GIRFT) programme will require endoscopy units to demonstrate improvements in efficiency and quality of patient care. Data collection in endoscopy beyond that recorded in the endoscopy report is difficult (e.g. patient flow, coding, use of consumables, externally validated quality markers and complications occurring outside of the room). Barcode technology offers an exciting way to achieve this.

Method Between July-October 2016, patients undergoing bowel cancer screening colonoscopy or ERCP at our hospital were ‘tracked’ through their journey in endoscopy using hTrak barcode technology. The following data were collected: patient co-morbidities; patient location; endoscopy equipment used including disposable items; endoscopy personnel; drugs used; reasons for procedure or equipment failure; complications; and route of discharge.

Results In the 3 month period 268 bowel cancer screening colonoscopies and 141 ERCPs were tracked Co-morbidity data were successfully gathered on all patients taking <30s per patient (previously this was not done for out-patient endoscopies in our hospital due to the large volume of procedures). Consumable costs were as follows (per procedure):

Tracking also allowed consumables to be reordered in a timely fashion and reduced loss of out-of-date stock.

Equipment failure was recorded 16 cases including both endoscope and stack failures.

32 complications were recorded, 17 in-room and 16 out-of-room. Out-of-room complications included 10 bleeding episodes, 1 use of flumazenil and 2 episodes of patient distress requiring pain relief. In the 3 months prior to tracking only 3 complications had been recorded for 1080 colonoscopies (including screening and symptomatic) and 127 ERCPs.

Conclusion Barcode technology has revolutionised data collection in our department allowing us to meet the aims of the GIRFT programme, saving money and (most importantly) improving patient safety.

Disclosure of Interest A. Goddard: None Declared, S. Johnstone: None Declared, J. Green: None Declared, J. Mayne: None Declared, K. Downs Conflict with: GS1 Board Member