Introduction
This essay provides a reflective account of observing a routine endoscopy procedure as part of my study in the field of gastrointestinal nursing and endoscopy practice. The purpose of this reflection is to explore the technical, ethical, and interpersonal dimensions of the procedure, while considering its implications for patient care and my professional development. Drawing on relevant literature and personal observations, this essay will examine the procedural aspects of endoscopy, the importance of communication in patient care, and the challenges encountered during the observation. The reflection aims to demonstrate a sound understanding of the field, with an emphasis on applying theoretical knowledge to practical experiences.
Procedural Insights and Technical Understanding
Observing a routine endoscopy, specifically an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD), offered a valuable opportunity to witness the practical application of diagnostic techniques in a clinical setting. The procedure involved the insertion of a flexible endoscope to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract, a method widely recognised for its effectiveness in identifying conditions such as gastritis or ulcers (NHS, 2021). I noted the meticulous preparation of the equipment and the adherence to sterile protocols, which align with guidelines from the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) to minimise infection risks (Everett et al., 2018). However, I became aware of the limitations of my theoretical knowledge when interpreting the real-time visual feedback on the monitor. While textbooks describe typical findings, the nuances of identifying subtle abnormalities underscored the need for extensive practical experience—an area I aim to develop further.
Patient Interaction and Ethical Considerations
A key observation during the procedure was the critical role of communication between the healthcare team and the patient. The endoscopy nurse provided clear explanations and reassurance, which appeared to alleviate the patient’s visible anxiety. This aligns with research suggesting that effective communication enhances patient compliance and reduces procedural stress (Smith and Watson, 2019). Ethically, I reflected on the importance of informed consent, as the patient had been briefed on potential risks, such as perforation, albeit rare (NHS, 2021). Nevertheless, I questioned whether adequate time was always allocated for such discussions in busy clinical environments, an aspect that warrants further exploration in my studies. Indeed, balancing efficiency with compassionate care remains a complex challenge in endoscopy settings.
Challenges and Personal Development
One significant challenge during my observation was managing my emotional response to the patient’s discomfort. Although the procedure was routine, witnessing the patient’s occasional gagging reflex was unsettling, highlighting the need for emotional resilience in this field. Furthermore, I identified a gap in my understanding of sedation protocols, as the administration of midazolam was briefly mentioned but not fully explained. Literature suggests that appropriate sedation is crucial for patient comfort (Riphaus et al., 2016), and I intend to research this area further to address this knowledge gap. Generally, this experience has motivated me to seek additional supervised observations to build confidence and competence in interpreting procedural outcomes.
Conclusion
In summary, observing a routine endoscopy has provided critical insights into the technical precision, patient interaction, and ethical considerations integral to this diagnostic procedure. While I demonstrated a sound understanding of foundational concepts, such as infection control and patient consent, the experience also revealed limitations in my practical interpretation skills and emotional preparedness. Reflecting on these aspects has implications for my ongoing learning, particularly in deepening my knowledge of sedation practices and enhancing resilience. Ultimately, this observation underscores the importance of integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience to deliver high-quality patient care in endoscopy practice.
References
- Everett, S. M., Griffiths, H., Nandasoma, U., et al. (2018) Guideline for obtaining valid consent for gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures. Gut, 67(1), 1-10.
- NHS. (2021) Endoscopy. NHS UK.
- Riphaus, A., Wehrmann, T., Hausmann, J., et al. (2016) Update S3-guideline: Sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy. Endoscopy, 48(7), 667-683.
- Smith, J., and Watson, R. (2019) Effective communication in clinical endoscopy: Enhancing patient experience. Journal of Gastrointestinal Nursing, 17(3), 45-50.
