The Joint Advisory Group on gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy (JAG) has launched new accreditation standards for GI endoscopy services.
Hosted by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), the accreditation scheme works with GI endoscopy teams to identify areas for development and drive continuous improvement. The scheme has proven to be an innovative quality improvement tool; the majority of endoscopy services in the UK are actively participating in the accreditation pathway, and 169 already hold full JAG accreditation.
Aligned closely with the Care Quality Commission’s fundamental standards and five key lines of enquiry, the new standards are centred on a comprehensive set of measures covering patient experience, clinical quality, workforce and training. By providing UK-wide support for both NHS trusts and private sector services, the JAG accreditation scheme ensures that services are equipped with the appropriate skills and resources necessary to provide the highest quality of patient-centred care.
Accreditation is awarded following a robust peer-reviewed process supporting fit for purpose, safe endoscopy service delivery, by providing independent evaluation of a service.
John Stebbing, chair of UK Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy said:
The publication of these standards is a significant moment for the JAG and provides a much more streamlined, refined and clear process for services to achieve accreditation.
I am delighted that schemes, such as JAG, are able to provide clear assurance to regulatory bodies such as the CQC.
Going forward, we look forward to seeing the quality embodied in these new accreditation standards embedded across all UK GI endoscopy services.
For more information about JAG accreditation or about how to register your service, contact askjag@rcplondon.ac.uk.
JAG accreditation is renewed on an annual basis following completion of a satisfactory GRS census in April and submission of an annual report card (ARC) in October. The report card details any changes to the service, submission of certain key performance indicators and evidence to support the GRS returns.
Evidence is submitted via an integrated web portal specially designed to support the accreditation pathway. A professional team of peer assessors then review the evidence provided and work with the applicant site before an official assessment including a full site visit.