Badge sign-in and report cards improve first case start times in gastrointestinal endoscopy: A prospective quality improvement study

Background and study aims First case start (FCS) time is often a key metric used to gauge efficiency in an endoscopy suite. There are limited data on tools and methods to improve the FCS time in the endoscopy suite. Methods A prospective observational cohort study was conducted in an academic tertiary care endoscopy suite examining the effect of badge sign-in (Period 2) and badge sign-in coupled with report cards (Period 3) compared to an initial observational period (Period 1). Results After the badge sign-in reader was introduced in P2, the unit experienced a mean time savings of 5 ± 18 minutes in FCS delays compared to P1 ( P = .03). In P3, an 8 ± 17-minute time savings in FCS time delay was observed compared to P1 ( P = 0.0006). Sign-in compliance significantly increased for the overall unit between P2 and P3 (49 % vs. 59 %, P = .002). Increases in first case on-time start (FCOTS) rates compared to P1 were observed for the unit, with a 14% absolute increase in P2 ( P < .0001) and a 17 % absolute increase in P3 ( P < .0001). FCS delays for on-time badge sign-ins were significantly lower compared to FCS delays for missed badge sign-ins and late badge sign-ins ( P < .0001). Conclusions The use of badge sign-in and report cards improve endoscopy unit efficiency as it can increase FCOTS rates and decrease FCS time delays.