Flexible sigmoidoscopy training for nurses.

Colorectal cancer will account for approximately 55,300 deaths in 1995. In addition, 138,200 new cases of colorectal cancer will occur. The American Cancer Society encourages accessible, affordable sigmoidoscopy by primary care physicians or highly trained paramedical personnel for all persons, aged 50 years and older, every 3 to 5 years or as advised by their physician. As a result of these recommendations, there has been an increase in demand for the screening sigmoidoscopy. The increase in requests for this examination has overwhelmed existing resources, including physician time, space, and staff in the ambulatory care setting. The Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., has developed an innovative approach to performing screening sigmoidoscopies by training two registered nurse endoscopists to conduct these examinations. The goal of the nurse endoscopy program is to provide quality colorectal cancer screening within an established appointment standard while promoting comfort and safety.