Post registration training in gastroenterology for nurses.

This article is a review of the prospects for a specialised European training programme for nurses in gastroenterology. It discusses the possible integration of training in endoscopy and stoma therapy together with conventional nursing of acute gastrointestinal emergencies and the care of patients with chronic intestinal conditions. Despite the existence of a number of interested bodies, at present no such courses exist. If they are developed they should lead to an internationally recognised diploma of gastrointestinal nursing. Training in counselling techniques, terminal care and research methodology, together with computing techniques need to be incorporated in each course. The future of such nurses will be in non-academic hospitals, where they will have a role in the follow-up and management of patients.